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Living off-campus in St. John’s as a student at MUN, CNA, or Academy Canada means you’re taking on more than just a new address — you’re taking on rent, bills, and monthly responsibilities. Whether it’s your first time living independently or you just need a refresher, here’s what to expect when it comes to paying rent and setting up your utilities.

Paying Your Rent

Rent is typically due on the 1st of every month, and it’s important to understand exactly how your landlord wants to be paid. Here are the most common payment methods:

  • E-transfer – Easy, fast, and the most popular option among students.

  • Direct deposit – Some landlords may offer automated payments.

  • Post-dated cheques – Still used by some landlords, but make sure your lease outlines the schedule.

Avoid paying in cash, even if you’re offered a receipt. It’s harder to track and leaves you unprotected if a dispute arises.

Heads up: If you pay late, landlords can charge you—but there are limits. In Newfoundland and Labrador, late fees must be reasonable (e.g. $5 on day one, $2/day after, capped at $75 total). These fees must be clearly stated in your lease.

What Happens If You Miss a Payment?

If you run into financial issues, don’t just skip rent. Talk to your landlord or seek support through student services. Never withhold rent over a maintenance issue—send written notice about the problem, and follow the proper steps. You can always contact the Residential Tenancies Office if things escalate.

And yes — bounced cheques may lead to extra fees if your bank charges the landlord. Another reason to stick with e-transfer!

Can Your Rent Be Increased?

Yes — but only under strict conditions:

  • Your rent can’t increase in the first year of a lease.

  • You must receive at least six months’ written notice before any increase.

  • Fixed-term leases are locked in — no mid-lease hikes.

Setting Up Utilities in St. John’s

If your apartment doesn’t include utilities in the rent, you’ll need to set them up yourself. Here’s how to get started:

Power (Electricity/Heat)

Power in St. John’s is provided by Newfoundland Power. You should set up your account 7–10 days before move-in.
Set yours up here: Newfoundland Power – Start Electricity Service

Once registered, you’ll get monthly email notifications with your bill. If you skip that step, your bill might arrive in the mail instead — easy to miss!

Phone, Internet & TV

St. John’s has a few major providers:

  • Bell Aliant

  • Eastlink

  • Rogers

Most offer student bundles and pre-authorized payment plans, which can help lower your bill and keep things organized.

Tip: Check with your roommates before setting anything up. You don’t want to pay for three different routers!

Final Thoughts of MUN, CNA & Academy Canada Students

Rent and bills are a big part of student life — but they don’t need to be overwhelming. Pay attention to your lease, stay on top of your due dates, and set things up in advance. Once everything’s running smoothly, you can focus more on school and less on stress.

Whether you’re heading to MUN, CNA, Academy Canada, signing a lease for your first off-campus apartment in St. John’s is a major milestone – and a legally binding one. Before you rush to lock in a space near campus, it’s important to understand what’s actually in the lease, and what you’ll need before you can sign.

Here’s everything you need to know to navigate the lease process with confidence.

What You’ll Need Before You Can Sign

Every landlord is different, but most require a few standard things before they’ll hand over the keys:

  • Proof of Identity: You’ll be asked to provide government-issued ID. Landlords are allowed to collect this, but only to the extent needed for the lease – and they shouldn’t hand on to it longer than necessary.
  • References: You may need a reference from a past landlord, so if you’ve rented before, try to stay on good terms. If not, they might accept a credit report or proof you’ve regularly paid bills on time.
  • A Guarantor: Most student tenants don’t have long credit histories, so landlords often require a guarantor—someone who promises to cover the rent if you can’t. This is common, especially for students new to renting.

What to Expect in the Lease

Once you’ve viewed the apartment and feel ready to move forward, you’ll be presented with a rental agreement. Read this carefully—it’s a legally binding contract, and once it’s signed, there’s no backing out unless both parties agree.

Here’s what’s usually included:

  • Contact Information: This will outline who manages the building and how to reach them if something goes wrong.
  • Type of Rental Agreement: Is it month-to-month, fixed-term, or week-to-week? Each comes with different rules about notice and renewals.

Rent Details

Find out what’s included in your rent:

  • Is heat, electricity, or internet covered?
  • Are amenities (like gym access or snow removal) part of the deal?
  • If hydro isn’t included, ask for an estimate or use Newfoundland Power’s calculator.

Building Policies & Procedures

This could cover:

  • Garbage collection schedules

  • Laundry setup (and cost)

  • Required tenant insurance

  • Heating system (electric, oil, etc.)

Statutory Conditions

These outline your legal rights under the Newfoundland and Labrador Residential Tenancies Act. This includes rules around:

  • Subletting or assigning your lease

  • Repairs and maintenance

  • Landlord entry

  • Abandonment policies

You can review a sample of the Standard Rental Agreement here (PDF).

Final Thought: Protect Yourself Before You Sign

A lease isn’t something to take lightly – especially if you’re in your first year at MUN, CNA, or Academy Canada. Take your time, ask questions, and don’t sign anything you haven’t read.

If something feels unclear, reach out to your school’s housing office or check resources like Renting in NL for clarification.

Once you’ve narrowed down your top apartment choices near MUN, CNA, or Academy Canada, it’s time to schedule a viewing. This is your opportunity to see the unit up close – either in person or virtually – and make sure it checks all your boxes before signing a lease.

Here’s how to approach your apartment viewing with confidence, and what to ask so there are no surprises after move-in day.

Don’t Skip the Viewing (Seriously)

Whether it’s a 10-minute walk to MUN or a quick bus ride to other colleges, always try to visit the apartment in person before signing a lease. If you’re not in St. John’s yet, request a virtual tour or video walkthrough. Photos rarely tell the full story, and a proper viewing lets you get a feel for the space, the building, and the landlord.

Ask These Questions Every Time

Bring a list or keep these in your notes app – these questions will help you compare units and avoid unexpected costs:

  • How much is the rent, and what’s included? (Electricity, heat, Wi-Fi, furniture?)
  • How long is the lease term?
  • When does the lease start?
  • When is the latest I can sign the lease by?
  • Can I take photos or videos during the tour?
  • What type of heating system is used?

These might seem like obvious questions, but they’ll help you stay organized and informed as you move through your search.

Talk to the Current Tenants (If You Can)

If the current tenants are there during the viewing, this is a great chance to get honest answers. Ask things like:

  • How bright is it during the day?
  • Are there enough lights at night?
  • How loud is the building?
  • Are the neighbors respectful?

You’re not just renting a space – you’re moving into your new home. Ask about what day-to-day life in the unit is really like.

Don’t Forget the Logistics

Some questions don’t seem important – until they are. These are small things that can make a big difference in how smoothly your apartment runs:

  • Is there a secure entrance (keypad, fob, or key)?
  • Where is the laundry, and how much does it cost?
  • How do you take out the garbage, and when?
  • Is tenant insurance required?
  • How do you pay rent – portal, e-transfer, or cheque?
  • Who do I contact for repairs or emergencies?
  • Is there a mailbox or intercom system?
  • Who is responsible for damages inside the unit?

The goal is to leave the viewing with a full picture – not just of the unit, but of how things are managed and maintained.

One More Thing: Trust Your Gut

If something feels off – ask more questions. If the space feels right and you’ve got all the details you need, trust that too. There’s no perfect apartment, but there is a right fit for your student lifestyle. Prioritize what matters most to you, stay organized, and don’t rush the process.

So, you’ve picked your roommates and decided to live off campus in St. John’s – now comes the fun (and sometimes overwhelming) part: finding your apartment. Whether you’re attending MUN, CNA, or Academy Canada, this guide breaks down everything you need to know to find a place that fits your budget, your schedule, and your lifestyle.

Start With A Shortlist: Set Your Base Criteria

Before you fall in love with a listing, know what you’re looking for. Base criteria will help you quickly filter out apartments that won’t work. Ask yourself:

  • What’s my monthly budget? Consider rent, utilities, transportation, and food
  • How many bedrooms do we need? Factor in the size, layout, and storage
  • Is the location right? Think beyond price – sure, a cheaper place 30 minutes away may look great on paper, but how often will you ski class? For students, your education is the biggest investment you’ll make over the next 4+ years – where you live should reflect that.
  • Do I want it furnished? Some student apartments in St. John’s come fully furnished, saving you the stress (and cost) of moving furniture

Time to Dive In: Where to Search for Student Apartments

There’s no single “best” website or resource for student housing – every platform has hidden gems. Use multiple sources to maximize your options:

Pro Tip: Join Facebook groups like “St. Johns Apartments/Houses 4 Rent” or “Wester-Land Roommates” to catch listings before they hit the main sites.

Don’t Just Look – Reach Out

Once you’ve found a few solid listings, it’s time to contact landlords. Use a simple message like:

“Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a student at [MUN/CNA/Academy Canada]. I’m interested in your apartment at [Address], and I’d like to know if it’s available for a lease starting [Date]. I’d also love to schedule a viewing or virtual tour. Thanks!”

Don’t overthink it – send messages in batches to boost your chances. The more you inquire, the more likely you’ll find a great fit.

Virtual Tours and Red Flags

Never agree to a lease without seeing the apartment. If you’re not in Newfoundland yet, request a virtual tour or video walkthrough. This also gives you a chance to assess:

  • Landlord responsiveness
  • Building condition
  • Realistic size and layout of the apartment

Some listings might look perfect on paper but feel totally different once you see them in real life (or on screen).

Choosing between living alone or with roommates is one of the biggest decisions students face when moving to St. John’s for school – whether you’re attending Memorial University, CNA, or Academy Canada. Both options have unique benefits and challenges, and the choice often depends on your lifestyle, budget, and social needs.

Why Roommates Are Worth Considering

While having your own space might sound appealing – no shared schedules, no competing noise, and complete control over your environment – living entirely alone can limit your opportunities to grow and connect. Your 20s are about meeting new people, pushing past your comfort zone, and creating experiences that shape your future. How will you build those friendships or discover new  perspectives if you isolated to your own apartment?

Roommates offer a built-in community. Whether it’s sharing late-night study sessions or spontaneous sweet treat runs, these moments can’t always be replicated when living alone. For students at MUN or CNA who are new to St. John’s, roommates can also help you explore the city, split expenses, and create a fun, welcoming atmosphere.

 

What to Keep in Mind with Roommates

Of course, living with roommates isn’t always perfect. The lively social environment can sometimes make it harder to focus on studying. Conflicts can also arise – especially if your roommates have different lifestyles. For example, if you’re an early riser living with someone who stays up late, or if one roommates loves having music on while another prefers quiet. Setting boundaries and finding a compromise that works for everyone – just like you would with family – can help maintain a positive living environment.

When Friendships and Roommates Do Mix

Living with your friends can be amazing – you’re already comfortable with one another, you share interests (duh, that’s why you’re friends), and it can make day-to-day life more fun. However, problems can arise because your friendship hasn’t been tested at the “next level” before. Living with someone full-time if very different from a weekend sleepover – at the end of that sleepover, you both get to go home.

Like with any roommate situation, setting boundaries and maintaining open communication is key. When done right, living with friends can not only preserve your relationship but also deepen it in ways you might not expect.

Looking for more tips?

For a deeper dive into pros and cons of living with roommates, check out these resources from  DCMI Homes and The Home Blog