Olivia Norby – Senior Copy Editor 

Lennoxville’s rental market is becoming a defining part of student life at Bishop’s University. Rising rents, landlord disputes and limited residence space are pushing more students off campus, often into competitive, sometimes uncertain housing situations. With Quebec’s annual rent adjustment set at 3.1 per cent this year, according to Quebec’s Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL), students are feeling the effects both financially and personally. Here are five key things to know about what’s happening and why it matters.

Image courtesy of Pranav Buchineni

Rent is rising and even small increases add up

With rent set to increase by 3.1 per cent, students say the increased effect is noticeable. Sadie Bull, a Bishop’s student living off campus, says her rent increased by about $45 per month. “I think it’s like $45 increased rent each month, which doesn’t sound like a lot month to month, but it’s added up a lot over the 12-month lease that I’m in,” she said.

In a student budget already stretched by tuition and groceries, even incremental increases can mean cutting back. For many students in 12-month leases, the higher rate applies year-round, even if they leave Lennoxville for the summer.

Lease timing can catch students off guard

In Quebec, most leases renew on July 1, and landlords typically require tenants to confirm renewal or give notice months before this deadline. Students who are unsure about their future may feel pressured to re-sign early just to secure housing. Those who hesitate risk losing their apartment in an already competitive market. 

Landlord issues go beyond price

For many students, the biggest concern isn’t just cost, it’s communication and safety. Bull described repeated problems with her landlord. “My landlord comes in when we haven’t given them permission to, [he] comes in without any notice, doesn’t respond to any emails, doesn’t respond to phone calls,” she said. She also said that after a break-in at a neighbouring apartment, landlords “refused to put any external locks on our building.”

According to Quebec rental law, landlords must provide notice before entering an apartment except in emergencies and are responsible for maintaining safe, habitable conditions. Still, students often feel uncertain about asserting their rights or unsure what those rights are in the first place.

Residence capacity is limited

As Bishop’s enrollment grows, on-campus residence space is very limited. That means more first-year and upper-year students are turning to the rental market. 

Without guaranteed on-campus housing beyond certain years, students may find themselves competing for a limited number of apartments in Lennoxville, sometimes settling for less-than-ideal conditions to secure a place.

Finding a place takes strategy and support

Bishop’s University maintains an off-campus housing section on its website to connect students with listings, but demand remains high. Two students emphasized the importance of starting early and understanding tenant rights.

“I would say it’s awesome to live off campus,” Bull said, “but just make sure you live in a place where you have great contact with a landlord… and always make sure you’re looking into what is legal and what’s not.”

Watson agreed, adding that students shouldn’t downplay their needs. “You’re still people living and you deserve to have things be up to code.”

As Lennoxville’s housing market tightens, students are learning that finding a home can be as complex as choosing a major and just as impactful on their university experience.