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:
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Garbage collection schedules
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Laundry setup (and cost)
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Required tenant insurance
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Heating system (electric, oil, etc.)
Statutory Conditions
These outline your legal rights under the Newfoundland and Labrador Residential Tenancies Act. This includes rules around:
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Subletting or assigning your lease
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Repairs and maintenance
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Landlord entry
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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.