Off-Campus Housing
Finding the perfect home away from campus is exciting, and we are here to make it smooth and stress-free. Whether living with family, friends, homestays, private rentals, or with trusted student housing partners, there are great options for every lifestyle.
This guide provides insights on location, safety, budgeting, lease agreements, spotting scams, tenant rights and responsibilities, and College support — empowering you to make confident and informed decisions.
Housing Partners
SpacesShared
SpacesShared is a trusted virtual platform that connects RRC Polytech students with hosts offering safe and comfortable homesharing options, providing a supportive and secure off-campus housing alternative that helps students focus on their academic success while fostering companionship and community.
Students
Are you a student seeking comfortable, safe and verified housing to focus on your studies? SpacesShared connects you with trusted hosts offering spare rooms through a secure homesharing platform.
Hosts
Do you have an extra room to rent and want to earn some extra income while providing a student with safe and affordable housing near campus through SpacesShared?
Polar Trails
Polar Trails is a local homestay agency with over 20 years of experience providing accommodation for students in Winnipeg. Host families offer private rooms, meals, and a supportive environment to help students adjust to life in Manitoba. Students living with a homestay family get to experience Canadian culture firsthand and learn the Canadian way of life while enjoying the comfort and support of a family away from home.
Students
Experience the warmth of Canadian family life with Polar Trails. Stay in a welcoming home with a family that provides three meals a day, genuine support, and meaningful cultural connections that make you feel truly at home while studying in Manitoba.
Hosts
Share your home and culture with international students through Polar Trails. Provide a warm, family environment that fosters meaningful connections and comfort, while earning extra income to support your hospitality.
Types of Accommodations
Whether you rent a house with other students or have your own apartment, consider the types of accommodations typically available.
- Bedroom in a House/Apartment – Usually with a private bedroom and shared kitchen, bathroom, and common area.
- Bedroom in Landlord’s Accommodation – Usually a furnished bedroom in a private home with shared kitchen (sometimes a private bath).
- Homestay – A room within the home of a local host, often living as part of the family and typically include meals.
- Apartment in House – 1-2 Bedroom or a Bachelor/Studio with a private bathroom and kitchen self-contained unit within a house
- Apartment – 1-2 Bedroom or a Bachelor/Studio with a private bathroom and kitchen self-contained within the building
- House – A full house which may or may not include furnishings.
What to look for in a place to live
When searching for off-campus accommodation consider the following factors:
- Location: Think about the distance from RRC Polytech Campuses, accessibility to Winnipeg Transit Public Transportation , grocery stores, and other amenities.
- Safety: Choose accommodation in safe neighbourhoods and look for features like secure entrances and well-lit areas.
- Budget: Determine your rental budget, factoring in additional costs like groceries, utilities, internet, and transportation.
- Lease length: Look for a lease length that matches your academic schedule. Carefully review the terms and conditions of your lease agreement to fully understand before signing.
- Furnishing: Check if the accommodation is furnished and what that includes or unfurnished, and budget for what you need to furnish it.
- Amenities: Consider amenities such as laundry facilities, utilities, internet, and parking
- Condition: Work with your landlord to complete a Condition Report for your accommodation when you move in and make sure that you agree with the Condition Report before you sign it.
Additional Resources
Off-Campus Safety
Ensuring a safe environment involves taking preventative safety measures. Take responsibility for your own safety and the security of your personal belongings by following these guidelines.
Safety and Security Tips
- Never walk alone at night.
- Keep doors and windows locked.
- Keep valuables out of sight
- Do not advertise when you are away. Avoid leaving notes on the front door letting people know you are out.
- Find out who is knocking before you open the door.
- Always use the door’s deadbolt; a chain lock is not sufficient.
- If you think you are being followed, cross the street, change directions, or vary your pace.
- Keep your keys in your possession.
Fire Safety Tips
- Do not cover smoke detectors or remove their batteries.
- Clean the ventilation grills if the smoke detector seems too sensitive.
- Replace the battery if the smoke detector is continuously beeping.
- Do not drink or smoke alone
- Watch food carefully while cooking
- Extinguish a grease fire with baking soda or class B fire extinguisher.
- Never tamper with electrical wiring, and do not overload outlets.
- Learn how to escape from a fire – know two ways out of every room and where the fire extinguisher is located.
- See 10 Fire Safety Tips
Expenses
Tips for budgeting
When renting as a student, consider not only the advertised rent but also several hidden costs that can impact your budget:
- Utilities: Most rentals include utilities like water and garbage collection, but you may need to pay separately for electricity, gas, internet, and cable. These costs can add up especially during extreme weather seasons.
- Security Deposits: Many landlords require a security deposit upfront. This deposit is usually refundable but is often used to cover any damage beyond normal wear and tear when you move out.
- Renter’s Insurance: You may need renters’ insurance to cover potential damage to your belongings or liability claims. This insurance is purchased through various organizations in Winnipeg (banks, insurance companies, and others).
- Parking Fees: If you have a vehicle, check for additional parking costs.
- Maintenance Costs: While landlords are responsible for major repairs, you may be responsible for minor maintenance, like changing light bulbs or replacing air filters.
- Furniture and Supplies: If the rental is unfurnished (most likely), budget for furniture, kitchen supplies, bedding, and other essentials. Even furnished apartments may lack items you need or prefer.
- Miscellaneous Fees: Be aware of additional fees like late payment charges, pet fees (if applicable), or fees for amenities such as gym access or laundry facilities.
To avoid surprises, carefully review your lease agreement and ask the landlord or property manager about any potential additional costs before signing. Budgeting for these hidden costs upfront will help you manage your finances responsibly while renting as a student.
Need Help or Support
Tenancy Issues
If you are experiencing issues with your landlord, visit the Government of Manitoba’s Residential Tenancies Branch website. Call the Residential Tenancies office nearest you:
- In Winnipeg: 204-945-2476
- Toll free 1-800-782-8403
Financial Emergency
If you’re experiencing a financial emergency, contact the Student Service Centre to set up a meeting with a financial aid and awards officer who can help you understand your options.
How to Spot and Avoid Scams
Be cautious and aware of rental scams. Here are some tips:
- Trust your instincts. If something feels off or suspicious, proceed with caution. Examples include:
- Rent much lower than market rate.
- Requests for deposit without signing a formal rental agreement.
- Advertisements showing only the exterior or pictures that do not match the actual property.
- Do not send money without seeing the property and confirming its legitimacy.
- Research your landlord. Search the internet for the name, phone number and address
- Use secure payment methods such as bank transfers or credit cards for rent and deposits. Avoid wire transfers or sending cash.
College Supports
Starting your future can be exciting yet busy. RRC Polytech is committed to your academic and personal success. RRC Polytech provides valuable Supports to help you navigate challenges:
RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anishininwak, Dakota Oyate, and Denésuline, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.
We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.