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Housing Registry

Types of Accomodations
Housing
Living Expenses

Champlain St-Lambert's Student Services maintains a Housing Registry that will assist you in locating apartments and rooms in the vicinity of the College. The facilities in the Registry are not inspected by Student Services although a general screening is maintained. Be sure to read all the "hints" in this brochure before you go apartment or room hunting. The lease that you sign or the arrangement that you undertake in the case of a private home is your responsibility. Your comments on the facilities announced in the Housing Registry are always welcome.

TYPES OF ACCOMMODATION

Private Homes:

Room only - no kitchen privileges
This type of accommodation is the least expensive option, but it is necessary for the student to eat all of his or her meals outside of the home. Therefore, it is usually cheaper to rent a room with kitchen privileges as restaurant dining can be expensive. Cafeteria dining can also become costly in the long run.

Room with kitchen privileges
This type of accommodation has proven to be popular. It is the same as the above option, but the student can prepare his or her meals in the home at a much lower cost than restaurant or cafeteria dining.

Rooms with meals provided
This type of accommodation includes two or three meals a day in the rent, depending on the arrangements with the family. This can be quite a handy situation providing that it is convenient for you to be home for all of your meals. If not, perhaps you should stick to a room with kitchen privileges.

Room in exchange for baby-sitting or light chores
With this type of accommodation, the student receives free room and board, and in some cases a small salary, in exchange for baby-sitting or light duties. Some students, however, may feel that this is too time-consuming.

Apartments:
Most apartments are not furnished, but they will often have a refrigerator and stove. However, utility costs (e.g. heat and electricity, etc.) may or may not be included in the rent. Students should be very cautious before signing any lease and inquire about any "extras" they may have to pay for. In the newspaper, an apartment will be describe as 1-1/2, 2-1/2, etc. The "1/2" usually refers to the bathroom. For example, a 2-1/2 room apartment would include a bedroom, living room with a small kitchenette, and bathroom. A 3-1/2 would be the same, but would have a separate room for the kitchen. The rent will vary according to the size of the apartment, the building, the area of the city it is located in, and the facilities offered.

WHEN LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO STAY KEEP IN MIND THE FOLLOWING:

• Owners of a private home are reluctant to rent early because a student may not pass his or her final high school exams, might not be accepted to the College, might change his or her mind, etc. August is usually the best month to look for a place to stay because, by then, most of the above facts are known.
• Neat appearance helps to make a good impression.
• Use the Student Services Housing Registry, but remember that there are other resources available.
• Speak to other students. Remember, word of mouth can get you a great apartment or room.
• Check the classified ads in the Montreal and South Shore newspapers. The Courier du Sud is a good source of information.
• Check the bulletin boards in the local shopping centres, grocery stores, etc.
• Sharing an apartment with another student can be cheaper than renting on your own. If you are interested, stop by Student Services and place an announcement in the Housing Registry.

ONCE YOU HAVE LOCATED A LIKELY PLACE, STOP AND ASK YOURSELF THE FOLLOWING:

• Do your appliances work? Nothing can be as frustrating as a stove that does not work, clogged drains, leaky faucets, etc.
• Are the rooms well heated? How?
• How clean is your building? This will give you a clue as to the type of service that you will receive.
• Is your room soundproof? Remember, living near an arcade or heavy traffic can be irritating and can cut into sleep and study time.
• Is there enough storage space and closet space? (For example, where will you put your bike for the winter?)
• How big will your apartment be after you move in your furniture if it is not furnished?
• How many electrical outlets are there?
• Are they located in convenient places? Are there any laundry facilities in the building? If not, how far away is the nearest Laundromat?
• How far away are you from shopping centres, grocery stores, banks or a credit union?
• What is the route to school? To downtown? Will you have to pay two or more fares to get to your destination?
• Is there access to a telephone?
• Are pets allowed?
• If you own a car, are there proper parking facilities? Do you pay extra?
• Are blankets and linen provided with your room rental?
• Is there a secure lock leading into your apartment or room?
• If you rent a room, what are the expectations about having friends visit, the sound level of your music, etc.?

HOUSING

The following is an approximation of the prices you can expect to pay in the vicinity of the Campus.

Apartments

• 1-1/2 room apartment $285 - $340 per month
• 2-1/2 room apartment $300 - $390 per month
• 3-1/2 room apartment $340 - $430 per month
• 4-1/2 room apartment $375 - $550 per month

The prices vary according to location, demand and facilities offered (e.g., furnished or not). If you are looking for an apartment, you will normally be asked to sign a lease.

Lease

A lease is the rental document between a landlord and tenant (you!) that details the rights and responsibilities of both parties. If you have a problem with your lease, contact:

Régie du logement/Rental Board

201 Place Charles Lemoyne, 6th floor
Longueuil
(514) 873-2245

There is no charge for this service.

Rooms

No kitchen privileges $40 - $50 per week
With kitchen privileges $55 - $75 per week
With meals provided $70 - $100 per week
(room and board)

LIVING EXPENSES

Food:
On average, a student who cooks his/her own meals can expect to spend $190, per month on food, just for the basics. However, this does depend on the individual and on budget planning.

Meals are available in the campus cafeteria:
Breakfast: $1.81 - $2.10
Lunch: $2.66 - $4.19
Dinner: $2.96 - $4.49

Telephone:
For basic telephone service, Bell Canada charges an installation fee of $55 for a basic residential line, plus a charge of approximately $23 per month.

Television:
Look in the Yellow Pages. Many companies rent televisions.

Clothing:
Do you have enough? Remember Montreal's winters are cold and the campus is located in a particularly windy, exposed area. Keep a cash reserve to purchase what you will need.

Transportation:
Taxis are an expensive proposition. Public transportation is a much more economical way to travel. See Student Services about bus routes and fares and whether you are eligible for a student pass.

Incidentals:
Do you needs pots and pans, dishes, towels, blankets and sheets, small appliances...? All this can be costly if it is not provided or if you do not bring your own.

This information is by nature general and subject to change. Statements concerning rights, obligations, deadlines, etc. should be carefully reviewed with the Rental Board before taking any action.