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Frequently asked questions | FAQs

Single Grad Housing - FAQs

I'm a visiting scholar (researcher, professor, student from another institution) can I apply to live on campus?
Only full-time registered uWaterloo students are eligible to live in residence.
 
Are the fees paid by year or per term?
Residence fees for students living in a single graduate residence are assessed and paid per term.
 
What is the length of the contract?
Single graduate students are offered a one-term renewable contract.
 
Do you have one-bedroom apartments?
Our graduate and family housing consists of 2-bedroom townhouses located in Columbia Lake Village-North. 
 
What happens if I am inactive for a term?
You must be registered as a full-time student to apply for residence in CLV-North. Once living in the community, if you become inactive and it is approved by the Graduate Studies Office (GSO), you will be permitted to remain in residence for as long as your status is approved by the GSO. You are required to inform us of your situation, and submit documentation to verify it, by contacting the Graduate Residence Admissions and Marketing Specialist. 
 


Family Housing - FAQs

What documents are required to apply for family housing?
In order to prove that you fulfill the eligibility requirements of the residence, you will be required to provide us with the following:
 

If you are a couple:

  1. marriage certificate, or
  2. a document signed before a commissioner for taking affidavits/notary public in which both parties swear/affirm that they have been living in a common-law relationship for at least one year AND a notarized copy of a document dated at least 11 months ago proving the existence of a shared lease, bank account, credit card or utility bill.
 

If you are a single parent:

  1. adoption documents or birth registration paperwork or school registration paperwork AND
  2. proof of custody of the child/children such as separation/divorce/custody documents.
 

If you are a couple with child/children:

  1. marriage certificate, or
  2. a document signed before a commissioner for taking affidavits/notary public in which both parties swear/affirm that they have been living in a common-law relationship for at least one year AND a notarized copy of a document dated at least 11 months ago proving the existence of a shared lease, bank account, credit card or utility bill AND
  3. adoption documents or birth registration paperwork or school registration paperwork.
 
Where can I get these documents and what is the cost?
The University of Waterloo has Commissioners for taking Affidavits available to Waterloo students through the Registrar's Office. They are located in Needles Hall. These Commissioners can help you with the documents we require, including notarization. Their services are free of charge to Waterloo students involved in University of Waterloo business.
 
Alternatively, there are numerous Notaries Public throughout the Kitchener/ Waterloo community, and other areas, which could perform this service for you. Their fees will vary depending on the organization.
 
 
When do I have to get these documents?
You do not need to send us these documents until we have sent you a conditional residence offer.
 
What is the application process?
  1. Fill out the online application
  2. If your application is approved, Waterloo Residences will send you an email offer based on the condition of reviewing your eligibility documents (if we cannot proceed with your application, you will also be notified by email)
  3. Gather the documents you require and submit them to Waterloo Residences within the deadline stated in the email (usually 1 week)
  4. Waterloo Residences will send you an email stating that we have received your documents. You will be referred to the Family Terms and Conditions and your contract will be attached. Sign and return your contract, along with your non-refundable deposit
  5. You will receive a final confirmation that your residence has been reserved for you once we receive your signed contract and deposit.
How much is the non-refundable deposit?
The non-refundable deposit is equivalent to one month's rent and will be applied to your first month's rent. 
 
How do I pay my rental fees?
Students living in a family unit pay the rent monthly. This can be done online or at the Columbia Lake Village Community Centre front desk.
 
What is the length of the contract?
Students with dependants are offered a 4-month tenancy agreement, with the opportunity to renew for an additional term.
 
Can I claim my CLV-North rent on my income tax return?

Students in residence, including family housing, do not pay taxes on their residence fees as the University residences are on tax-exempt land. On Line 6114 (Student Residences) on your income tax form, you can claim $25 as your occupancy cost for the part of the year you lived in residence. You do not need to have proof of residence or tax receipts for residence fee payment.