When an international student arrives in Canada to begin his or her career, it can happen that he or she becomes an easy target for scams. The reasons have to do with lack of planning when evaluating their student housing options from their home country. It is important that before traveling, the student has thoroughly researched how he/she will do the rental process, where he/she will live, what kind of conditions can be found, etc., all this in order to make a safe and correct process.

If you do not know the lease laws of the province where you are going to live, you run the risk of falling into traps or legal ambiguities that will harm your stay. Therefore, I invite you to read these recommendations from our immigration representation firm, Immiland Law, so that your student lease complies with fair conditions and is aligned with your needs. Join me until the end of the blog and learn how to identify a legal and fair contract to ensure the success of your stay. Let's get started!

‍

‍

Typical mistakes when signing a student rental agreement

‍

Some landlords may show a place that seems ideal for housing, then ask for a large deposit to "reserve" it, and the student, in the midst of needing housing and desperation not to miss the opportunity, signs the lease without even realizing that the wording is vague, incomplete, or unjustifiably binding. In the rush to secure housing, many students end up signing:

• Clauses that force them to pay for repairs that do not correspond to them.
• Restrictions on the use of public services that force them to pay more money than budgeted.
• Illegal security deposits or clauses prohibiting them from having visitors.
• Agreements without legal basis or fraudulent.
• Very low monthly payments for the type of housing or cash only, which should be viewed as a red flag for inconsistency or possible scam.

The validity and legality of your lease is as important as the location itself. If you do not understand the contents of this type of agreement, seek the advice of a specialist, a Canadian lawyer or regulated consultant who knows the specific provincial laws and ensures fair drafting for both parties.

‍

‍

How to find legal advice for the drafting of the lease contract?

‍

Before seeking help from any source, the international student should know where he or she will not find it. Because it is very tempting to rely on the information that abounds on the web, where everything is easy and possible. 

Step 1 - Be cautious when seeking legal advice in channels such as:

• YouTube videos and Instagram accounts, which while offering helpful advice, do not necessarily address Canadian leasing law, which changes from province to province. What is legal in Ontario may not be legal in British Columbia. A general video will never replace a specific legal analysis of your situation.
• Well-meaning friends. These people are people you trust and can tell you about their experience, but they are not lawyers and do not know the legal specifics of a contract, let alone one province or another. A third party success story does not guarantee that your contract is fair or legal.
• Forums and generic web pages. Forums are always valuable and useful, but it is very common that the information is outdated or incorrect, since it is a space where everyone gives their opinion without legal filters.

The success of your student housing cannot depend on a "like" or a comment from others. Your lease is your shield of protection and stability in Canada, if it is drawn up by a specialized firm; this document is binding and keeps you in legal connection with a third party whom you must handle seriously and sensibly, your lease deserves to be treated as such.

‍

Step 2 - Identify sources of professional legal advice:

Once you understand that you need an expert firm, the next step is to find the right lease drafting professional. In Canada, the safest and most reliable option is to go to a law firm that specializes in real estate law.

• Search online and use specific terms such as, for example, "lawyer member of the Ontario Bar Association," "specialized real estate law services," or "residential lease drafting assistance" along with the name of your city or province. 
• Ask for referrals, with caution. If a friend or acquaintance recommends a lawyer, make sure he or she is a qualified professional. Check their credentials on the website of your provincial bar association (e.g., the Law Society of Ontario).

‍

Step 3 - Prepare for your legal consultation:

For advice to be effective, you should have a map of questions and concerns about your intended lease. Before contacting a lawyer, be sure:

• Have a draft of the lease. To do this, ask your landlord for a copy of the lease you are going to sign. If you don't already have it, you can look up a "sample residential lease" for your province to get an idea.
• Write down your questions. To do this, think about your biggest concerns: What happens if you need to terminate the contract early? Who is responsible for repairs? What pet or visitor clauses are there? What are the payment terms and actual costs of student housing in Canada, among others.

‍

Step 4 - Make an informed decision:

On the day of the consultation, the lawyer will review the contract and explain the key points. Listen carefully and feel free to ask further questions. The purpose of this process is that, at the end, you will feel confident and clear about the lease you are about to sign.

Investing in this advice is the best way to ensure that your housing in Canada will be stable and worry-free. This way you will be able to concentrate on what really matters: your education and your new life.

‍

‍

Legal Services of Immiland Law Professional Corporation

‍

At Immiland Law, we have designed a comprehensive solution that will accompany you from the search for student housing in Canada to the signing of the contract:

• Immiland Settlement: Our team helps you find suitable housing options in your destination province.
• Immiland Law Professional Corporation: This is where the legal protection comes in. Once you find a place, our real estate lawyers will be able to assist you in drafting a fully valid and fair contract. Our team will take care of:

• Advise you in the drafting of a contract that protects your rights from the beginning.
• Review clauses to identify and eliminate illegal or harmful terms.
• Clarify your rights and responsibilities as a tenant under provincial law.
• Verify the legitimacy of the lessor and the contract to avoid scams.

Our service gives you the certainty that your agreement is solid and protects you from start to finish.

‍

‍

Key recommendations to avoid scams

‍

Your lease is your guarantee that your new home in Canada is a safe place. Please note the following:

• Do not pay deposits without seeing the place.
• Be suspicious of urgency and unbelievable offers.
• Demand a written contract drafted by a recognized and legal firm in Canada.

‍

Found a place and need to make sure your lease is fully valid and legal? At Immiland Law, we offer specialized real estate law services to facilitate your real estate transactions efficiently and securely. Our legal team has the experience necessary to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring that your interests are protected at all times. Schedule service here.

Visit our Immiland Law Profesional Corporation page and discover our representation services for immigrants.

I hope this topic will be helpful in finding the legal advice you require for a lease that will guarantee your stay in Canada while you study.

‍

Thank you very much for reading! See you in the next blog!

‍

With love, 

‍

Immiland Law Professional Corporation