Rationale

Issue

Students should have access to affordable, accessible, quality, safe, diverse, and sustainable off-campus housing options while attending the University of Waterloo. Addressing these housing needs is essential for their academic success and overall well-being.

Our Research

  • On-Campus Housing: The University of Waterloo offers space for just under 6,800 students, with accommodations mainly for first-year students.
  • Purpose-Built Student Accommodations: The City of Waterloo has 42% of Canada’s purpose-built student accommodations, totaling 17,567 beds.
  • Housing Crisis: Students frequently face difficulty securing safe, affordable, and quality housing due to the current housing crisis.

  • Affordability: Students often face substantial financial burdens due to rising rental costs. Average rent in Waterloo has significantly increased, impacting students’ financial stability and mental health.
  • Awareness of Tenant Rights: Many students are unaware of their tenant rights, leading to exploitation by landlords and substandard living conditions.
  • Securing Housing: High competition and limited availability make it challenging for students to find suitable housing, causing significant stress.

  • Rental Costs: The average rent price per month has risen from $601.17 in 2014 to $950.38 in 2023.
  • Financial Stress: 46% of students are significantly impacted by the cost of accommodations, with many making sacrifices in mental and physical health services due to housing expenses.
  • Tenant Rights Awareness: 70% of students with leases include illegal clauses, indicating a lack of awareness about their rights.

Our Stance

WUSA advocates for affordable, accessible, quality, safe, diverse, and sustainable off-campus housing options for students. This includes support for legislative measures, financial commitments, and collaborative efforts to address student housing challenges.

  • Affordable Housing: Advocacy for rent controls and financial commitments to ensure affordable housing options for students.
  • Tenant Rights Literacy: Education and resources to help students understand and exercise their tenant rights.
  • Collaborative Efforts: Working with various stakeholders, including government bodies and community organizations, to improve housing conditions and availability.
  • Financial Commitments: Calls for robust financial support from governments and developers to establish affordable and sustainable housing for students.

Student Resources

MATES (Mentor Assistance Through Education and Support

Offers peer-to-peer support to help students navigate personal and academic challenges, particularly useful for those dealing with housing stress.

Off-Campus Housing Office

Provides resources and guidance for students seeking off-campus housing, including assistance with lease reviews and understanding tenant rights.

Legal Services

Access to affordable legal advice to help students address housing issues and disputes.

Health and Dental Plans

Ensures continuous health and dental coverage for students, crucial for their overall well-being.

Empower Me

Provides mental health support through counseling sessions available via phone, video, and in-person, supporting students' emotional well-being.

Campaigns

  • Illustrated image of a hand holding a small house with a red roof and blue windows. A key is attached to the hand on a keyring. The background is dark blue with constellation patterns. The text reads, "WUSA in the News: Housing Playbook.
    WUSA in the News: Housing Playbook

    Your WUSA Vice President, Katie Traynor, was featured on CTV Kitchener to […]

  • Image shows a promotional graphic for the WUSA Housing Playbook by the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA). The background is a dark blue with white and teal text reading "Introducing the WUSA Housing Playbook!". Simple illustrations include a house, trees, and a tall building. Live smart with WUSA—grab your guide now!
    WUSA’s Housing Playbook is Live!

    As undergraduate students, we are on the journey of adulting and navigating […]

  • A promotional image for a "Know your housing rights: Student Tenancy Legal Session" hosted by the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA) and Waterloo Region Community Legal Services, featuring modern high-rise buildings in the background.
    Student Tenancy Legal Sessions

    It’s hard enough to find a place to live without having to […]

Education

Further Reading and Resources