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

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