Virtual town Hall- Moving Out
Moving out ??
Moving out for the first time can be as weird as moving IN for the first time. Moving out during times like these can be even weirder. Here's a solid FAQ that will walk you through this process, and will help you be a good neighbour!
FAQ for Off-Campus Students
April 21, 2020
Q: My lease agreement begins this Spring/Summer, can I move in?
A: As Spring term programs will either be delivered entirely online or deferred to the next available term and access to campus remains restricted, students do not need to stay, return, or relocate to Niagara for academic reasons. Students who have a vacant room can consider subletting their room to a student who is not able to safely travel home.
If moving is needed, student tenants are encouraged to plan ahead with their landlord and other housemates to ensure adherence to social distancing requirements. Students and landlords may consider various options, including staggering or deferring moves where possible.
It is important at all times to follow public health recommendations and directives. Visit the Niagara Region Public Health website for further information.
Further information on cleaning and sanitizing is also available here:
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Hard surface disinfectants and hand sanitizers (COVID-19) https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/disinfectants/covid-19.html
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Cleaning and disinfecting public spaces (COVID-19) https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/cleaning-disinfecting-public-spaces.html
Q: My lease agreement ends this Spring/Summer. How can I safely move out and/or store my personal items?
A: If you are currently at home, returning home or moving due to a lease agreement and you need to store personal items, students are encouraged to communicate with their landlord (or future tenants of the home) and discuss options for storing items within the home/garage. Students may need to draft an agreement with the landlord/tenant and investigate any implications and/or modifications to their content/renter’s insurance. If possible, students may also consider storing items with local family/friends.
Students are encouraged to plan for moving items with their landlord and other housemates to ensure adherence to social distancing requirements. Students and landlords can consider various options, including to schedule a move-in day/time, stagger or defer moving where possible.
It is important at all times to follow public health recommendations and directives. Visit the Niagara Region Public Health website for further information.
Further information on cleaning and sanitizing is also available here:
-
Hard surface disinfectants and hand sanitizers (COVID-19) https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/disinfectants/covid-19.html
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Cleaning and disinfecting public spaces (COVID-19) https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/cleaning-disinfecting-public-spaces.html
In addition, there are several storage and moving options in the Niagara region. Below are some examples of companies that can assist with this process:
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Examples of Local Moving Companies
Q: I cannot return home and need short-term (weekly, monthly, Spring/Summer) accommodations off-campus. What are my options?
A: A variety of off-campus housing options are available on the Niagara College housing website, including rooms for rent and sublets. When connecting with landlords, it is recommended to inquire about their willingness to provide lease flexibility or shorter-term accommodations that suit this unique rental environment. In addition, students and landlords must adhere to social distancing recommendations; completing virtual property showings and communicating remotely are ways to do this. Additional off-campus accommodation options below:
Hotels
Local hotels may offer short-term rental options.
Continue current lease month-to-month
If your current, fixed term lease (i.e., 8 month, 12 month) is coming to an end, you likely have the option to continue to rent your current accommodation on a non-fixed-term (i.e. month-to-month). This more flexible option would permit you to complete a traditional housing search once the ‘state of emergency’ is lifted, if you wanted to change accommodations.
Q: Due to COVID-19, I am experiencing financial concerns that are impacting my housing situation.
A: Niagara College has emergency financial support options available for students in need due to COVID-19 issues.
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Domestic students: Contact finaid@niagaracollege.ca for assistance. Emergency bursary support is available and is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
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International students: Those in need of emergency financial assistance should contact their International Student Advisor at niagaracollege.ca/advising for possible emergency supports.