Unreliable roommates, rising costs and subletting all big challenges for university students in Atlantic Canada looking for somewhere to call homePublished Apr 17, 2025 • Last updated 12 hours ago • 5 minute readJulinho Alfaro and Annie Castillo decided to move to a bigger place when they found out they were going to be parents. They originally moved from Perú to P.E.I. to pursue Annie’s studies in marketing. Judith MendioleaOlateju Oladapo had hoped for a stable summer.After moving into a four-bedroom house with friends in Charlottetown, the plan was simple: split the $2,500 rent four ways. She had already gone through the exhausting process of moving while in school— packing up her life, coordinating the move, and paying deposits — only to face another upheaval weeks later.This time, it wasn’t her choice. One of her roommates couldn’t afford rent anymore. Now, they were scrambling to find someone else to fill the spot before the next payment was due.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle content Olateju Oladapo is an international student from Nigeria at Holland College in P.E.I. Judith Mendioela“We are trying to give the room out to someone, but it has been a challenge because most people aren’t ready to move, and many are facing financial issues,” she said. “I listed the room everywhere — Facebook, Kijiji, rental websites — but didn’t really get responses.”Her struggle is not unique — the housing crisis among students in Atlantic Canada isn’t new, but summer adds another layer of stress. Rising rental prices, unreliable roommates, and a lack of affordable near-downtown options leave many with tough choices.Rising costs of rentThe cost of renting has skyrocketed in recent years. According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Charlottetown rose by 11 per cent in 2024, marking the second consecutive year of sharp increases.Other cities in the region are seeing similar trends: rent on average in Halifax climbed 9.3 per cent from 2023 to 2024, while rent in St. John’s, NL, increased by 8.5 per cent, largely driven by low vacancy rates and high demand for student housing.Article contentFor Jennifer Olorenshaw, a first-year occupational therapy student who is attending Holland College in P.E.I. and is originally from Edmonton, financial aid shapes her decisions.“I was going to go back to Alberta for the summer, but because I’m from there, I don’t get the same opportunities like EI and things like that,” she explained. “Just for the sake of finances, I’ll stay here for the summer.”She also chooses to work throughout the academic year to avoid accumulating debt.“I work during the year instead of taking out an absurd amount of student loans. That way, if I work in the summer, I can pay off most student loans and go back.” Kate Maclaren, left, and Jennifer Olorenshaw are first-year occupational therapy students at Holland College in P.E.I. Judith MendioleaMeanwhile, local students like Kate Maclaren from P.E.I. consider summer options differently.“Just stay here, yeah,” she said when asked about her plans.With family nearby and no need for additional rent, she avoids the stress her peers face.“I haven’t decided yet. I’m thinking probably, unless I go to N.S., or something, for a year and then come back. But I think I’ll probably end up back on P.E.I.,” she said when asked about her plans after graduation.Article contentUncertainty of sublettingFor those unable to cover rent alone, subletting can provide a temporary solution — but it is unreliable.Oladapo is feeling that uncertainty right now as she tries to fill her roommate’s vacancy.“If nobody comes, then I have to bear all the cost, which is impossible,” said Dhanalakshmi Sathiyamoorthy, another international student when asked about her struggles finding a roommate.Oladapo’s previous rental, a cramped room “barely bigger than a storage space,” cost $725 a month.“The living room and kitchen were big, but my room was so small. It made no sense, and I was tired of it,” she said.Others, like Julinho Alfaro and Annie Castillo, have been forced to move altogether.The couple, originally from Peru, moved to P.E.I. in August 2023 to pursue Castillo’s studies in marketing. They rented a place without knowing what their living situation would be like.“We had to put a lot of trust in a landlord. We found him through the Latino community. It was a leap of faith,” said Alfaro.Article content“Living with younger students was hard. We wanted privacy and quiet, but it felt like they had other priorities — like cleanliness,” Castillo added.When they found out Castillo was pregnant, they decided they needed to move. The uncertainty surrounding their lease posed an additional challenge. When living conditions change and a tenant cannot finish their contract, they risk losing their security deposit. Some landlords allow lease transfers, but the situation remains precarious.Yet, they were able to solve it.“We found someone through Facebook Marketplace who was willing to take over our lease. It worked for both sides. But some landlords raise rent just because it’s tourist season. It’s frustrating, but it happens every year.”With many landlords choosing to rent to short-term tenants during the summer tourism season, students often face inflated prices. A report from Rentals.ca found that tourist-heavy cities across Atlantic Canada experienced summer rent spikes, with some tenants reporting seasonal increases of up to 30 per cent.Article contentCommon landlord requirementsLandlords’ requirements for renters vary widely, and students must weigh these factors carefully. Many landlords in Atlantic Canada commonly ask for:First and last month’s rent upfrontProof of income or employmentA co-signer, especially for students without incomeReferences from previous landlordsA credit checkInternational students, often without a Canadian credit history or local co-signer, can face additional barriers when trying to secure housing.“(My sister) wants a female tenant, but I said it doesn’t matter. As long as we are all paying $625, that’s OK,” Oladapo said.Available ResourcesFor students struggling to secure affordable housing, several resources are available across Atlantic Canada:University and college housing services: Many institutions offer summer sublet programs, residence options, and support in finding off-campus housing.Provincial housing authorities: Organizations like Housing Nova Scotia and the PEI Housing Authority provide rental assistance programs and affordable housing initiatives.Students’ unions and advocacy groups: Groups like the Canadian Federation of Students and the Atlantic Student Development Alliance offer guidance and lobby for student housing rights.Non-profit organizations: Shelters and housing advocacy groups provide resources for those facing housing insecurity.Additionally, some institutions run summer housing exchange programs that allow students to sublet rooms at universities in other provinces, reducing the financial burden of maintaining a year-round lease.While the housing crisis remains a pressing issue, knowing the resources available can help students navigate the uncertainty and alleviate some of the financial strain.Article content
Summer housing woes: How university students are navigating rising costs and uncertainty
