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Housing

Information for property owners

NSCC does not retain a list of students seeking housing or directly refer students to property owners.

We do refer students to various trusted platforms. We ask all those interested in renting to NSCC students to create a posting on a trusted partner platform.

Renting to students

NSCC student demographic highlights

  • 63% of NSCC students had previous post-secondary experience.
  • The average age of NSCC students is 26.
  • More international students are choosing NSCC than ever before. Nearly 90% are actively planning to apply for a post-graduate work permit.
  • NSCC classes are like a full-time job:
    • Class time is often from 8am to 4pm.
    • Students also have assignments, course projects, and test studying to schedule into their calendar outside course time.

Average and affordable rent costs

NSCC students are provided with information from a recent cost of living survey to help them budget for their time in studies. Many NSCC programs are intensive, leaving students with very little free time and on a fixed income. Other students may seek employment to support their living while attending school.

It’s important to know that students typically only work 20 hours per week, and typically in minimum wage positions while attending studies. This means students may only make $1200 per month (before taxes).

We encourage property owners to review our Cost of living - International Students | NSCC data for accurate information on what students are paying.

Student considerations

There are many considerations you may have when determining if you want to rent to students.

It may be challenging to know what students look for in rentals. Students often have 4 main considerations when seeking accommodations:

  • Affordability
  • Appropriate physical space
  • Terms of rentals
  • Amenities

Download and use the NSCC Student Housing Rental Considerations document (PDF 308KB) for reference.

NSCC Living in Nova Scotia Guide: A Resource Guide for Students

NSCC recently published the first edition of the NSCC Living in Nova Scotia: A Resource Guide for Students. This guide is designed to support students in learning how to be good tenants, get involved in their community, and positively impact those around them.

Upon completing the guide, students can take a quiz and receive a statement of completion. We encourage property owners renting to NSCC students to ask for a copy of the statement of completion.

Listing your rental

There are various places you can choose to list your rental, and where you list may depend on the style of rental you are considering. NSCC has relationships with Places4Students, Happipad, and Canada Homestay Network. These organizations are included as options to consider in all housing communications with students. Students are encouraged to use these trusted organizations prior to using online market places which have a higher risk of scams.

Places4Students

Places4Students is a housing listing partner with NSCC. NSCC encourages property owners to post their listings on Places4Students, which is available free of charge. Our students primarily look on Places4Students and are routinely directed to the Places4Students webpage for housing. Places4Students post all available housing by campus, so those looking for housing in their campus community can more easily see it. To post a free ad, visit Places4Students.

Happipad

Happipad is a shared housing experience. NSCC encourages alumni and community members with potential for shared living opportunities to create profiles on Happipad.

Canada Homestay Network (HRM Specific)

Canada Homestay Network (CHN) provides an option for domestic and international students who are looking to live with local families in the Halifax and Dartmouth areas. Homestay families are carefully screened, and homes are vetted. You can apply directly for homestay through the Canada Homestay Network.

Online marketplaces

Websites like Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace are often locations property owners publish rental listings. Students tend to be more cautious when reviewing locations on social media and Kijiji due to the heightened risks of rental scams.

View our comprehensive list of online marketplaces by area at: Where to Search – NSCC Living in Nova Scotia

Community resources

Community by-laws

It’s important to know the by-laws that impact you. Connect with your community by-law officer to know what by-laws you need to consider.

There are various other resources for funding, tenants' rights, and guidance. See the listing below:

Tenants rights

It is important to ensure you are updated and following tenants rights. The Residential Tenancies Program has a variety of tools to use to support you.

Province of NS programs for property owners

Investment Property Owners Association of Nova Scotia

The Investment Property Owners Association of Nova Scotia (IPOANS) is the collective voice representing residential investment property owners.
Homepage - IPOANS | Investment Property Owners Association of Nova Scotia

Funding for homes and rental properties

Efficiency NS/Clean NS

Province of NS funding opportunities

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