The school year begins in September and ends in April (total of 8 months). Most students tend to go home for the summer, unless they have secured a local summer job for those 4 months, or are attending summer school.

The second semester begins in January, and is typically the best time to list your advertisement. Students have just returned from the Christmas break, and the on-campus residences are a-buzz with rumours of not being able to find a suitable place to live for the following September!

So, if you own a student house or apartment, and it will be vacant in May, January is the best time to list.

If the house or apartment will not be vacant until September, it’s best to begin advertising in July, and you may consider asking for an 8 month lease. Most landlords have greatest success asking for a 12 month lease running May-April.

If you are renting out rooms in your home, the best time to list these accommodations is in April, for May occupancy, or mid-July/August, for September occupancy.

There tends to be a slight influx of need in January, since some students will transfer in at the beginning of the new semester, or may be moving to Hamilton for a 4-month placement (January – April). If you are willing to consider a tenant for 4 months, then list your ad late October early November.