Lease and Payments

Only full-time students at Western University may be listed on a lease. If a tenant wishes to have a non-student live in the unit, they must be registered with the Rental Office for emergency and occupancy purposes. 
 

To ensure appropriate use of space: 

• Under-occupied units (e.g., one person in a three-bedroom) may require relocation to a smaller unit after the lease ends.
• Over-occupied units (e.g., five people in a two-bedroom) may not be eligible for transfer to a larger unit. Transfers are subject to availability and the volume of applications

Western Apartments are intended as transitional student housing, not long-term accommodations. Tenants must reapply for a lease at the end of each term. Notices with application instructions are typically sent three to four months before the lease expires. 

To be considered for a new lease, tenants must:

1. Maintain full-time student status at Western (Main Campus)
2. Have a positive rent payment history
3. Avoid major or repeated conduct issues (e.g., noise complaints, smoking, unreported occupants, or poor unit condition) 

Initial leases are for 12 months. Returning tenants may apply for shorter or longer terms based on academic needs. Missing the lease renewal deadline may result in the unit being offered to new applicants. Tenants will be permitted to add new roommates through the lease renewal request.  However, once a lease is signed, tenants can no longer be added.

If a tenant wishes to end their lease early, 60 days’ written notice (after the first year of the lease) is required. Tenants are expected to meet lease requirements within their first year of living in Western Apartments.  Lease assignments and takeovers are not permitted. 
 

All tenants are required to vacate their unit by 1:00 p.m. on the last day of their lease. Under exceptional circumstances, you may request permission from Western Apartments to extend your lease for up to two months.   

Please note:  

• A lease extension request does not guarantee approval.   
• All requests are reviewed by the leasing team based on eligibility and unit availability.   
• No extensions will be granted for leases ending July 31 or August 31.
• Tenants who are no longer full-time students are not eligible for lease extensions. 

The following are not considered valid reasons for a lease extension: A new lease starting the 1st of the month at another location, storing personal belongings or remaining in the unit until convocation.  

If approved, extensions are granted at the discretion of the office and confirmed in writing by email. Tenants extending a completed a 12-month lease will be subject to provincial annual rent increase (e.g., 2.1% for 2026).
 

 Tenants may request to sublet their unit temporarily. Sublets: 

• Must be approved by Western Housing
• Are not formal leases and remain the responsibility of the original tenant
• Are limited to a maximum of four months
• Must meet eligibility requirements and be registered with the Rental Office

Approved subletters are covered under the tenant’s renters’ insurance. If a subletter wishes to become a tenant, they must apply through the standard housing application process. 
 

Tenants may apply to transfer to a different apartment after completing 12 months in their current unit. Approval is based on: 

• The condition of the current unit (an inspection is required)
• Availability and demand
• Signing a new lease and N11 form 

Please note that rental rates for the new unit may differ from the current lease. 
 

Rent is due on the first day of each month. Tenants are responsible for ensuring that rent is paid in full and on time. Accepted payment methods include the following and please note that cash is NOT accepted under any circumstances.  

Note: eTransfers are not accepted by Western Apartments.
 

1. Banking Information

   1. Login to your financial institution as you would to pay a bill.
   2. Search for “Western” and select “Western Univ - Apartments” as the payee.
   3. Use your nine-digit student number as the account number.
   4. Double check that the number matches the one on file with the Rental Office.
   5. Once completed, keep a record of the payment reference number and date. 

   
   Note that online payments may take 2–3 business days to process.

2.  Online Credit/Debit Payments 

   Western Apartments accepts payments using a MasterCard or Visa credit card, or MasterCard or Visa debit card. 

   Log in to the myHousing Portal using your Western credentials, go to the ‘On-Campus Apartments & Family Housing’ tab, and then click ‘Pay your rent online’ and follow the prompts. A confirmation receipt will be available once payment is processed. 

3. In-Person Payments

   Visit the Rental Office during business hours to pay by Interac or with credit card (Visa or Mastercard only). A receipt will be provided. 

4. International Payments

   Use Converaopens in new tab for secure international bank-to-bank transfers. 
    

Important Reminders
If rent is not paid on time, Western may issue an N4 (Notice to End a Tenancy Early for Non-payment of Rent). Repeated late payments or defaults may affect your eligibility for future leases. Tenants on a joint lease are equally responsible for the full rent amount.

Rental statements are not available online, but tenants may request a copy of their payment history by emailing the rental office. Shared apartments have a shared rental account accessible to all listed tenants. 

Tax Information 
Western Apartments are property tax exempt, so tenants cannot claim the full rent amount on tax returns. However, you may claim a $25 Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit on Form ONBEN. No receipt is required. For more details, visit the Ontario Ministry of Financeopens in new tab. 
 

All personal belongings in your unit are your responsibility. Western University is not liable for any loss or damage due to theft, fire, water or other causes. 

Western Housing provides renter’s insurance for all tenants, which includes contents coverage of $10,000 base coverage with $2,500 extended coverage and liability coverage up to $1,000,000. 

This insurance protects your belongings and covers damage caused by your actions. It applies to all tenants listed on the lease, any registered occupants and any approved subletters with a written agreement. Subletters are encouraged to obtain their own insurance. If they do not, they share the coverage limits provided by Western Housing. 

Tenants may also choose to purchase additional insurance at their own expense.