Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you're a prospective tenant exploring your housing options or a current resident looking for support, this section is here to help. We've compiled answers to common questions about eligibility, applications, amenities, lease renewals, rent payments, maintenance and more. Our goal is to make your experience with Western Apartments as smooth and informed as possible.

Prospective Tenants

What types of units are available and who is eligible to live here? 

Answer: Western Apartments offers housing primarily for graduate students, student families, and upper-year students. Units range from one-bedroom apartments to three-bedroom townhouses at Platt’s Lane Estates and Bayfield Hall. Eligibility is based on full-time student status at Western University. 

How do I apply, and how are offers made? 

Answer: Applications are submitted online thru myhousing.uwo.ca, and can be submitted monthly. Western Apartments use a lottery system due to high demand. Applicants are randomly assigned a number, and offers are made based on that order, unit availability and eligibility criteria. As Western Apartments are meant as temporary accommodations, tenants will receive an offer for a one-year termination lease, 3-months prior to the end of their first lease term, tenants will receive notice from Western Apartments asking if they would like to renew. At this point, tenants can renew for up to one year. 

What amenities and services are available on-site? 

Answer: In Platt’s Lane Estates, the community offers laundry facilities, playgrounds, green spaces, community events and access to staff for housing support. There are also regular maintenance services and the community is connected to campus by bus routes and walking paths.  Included in your lease is an unfurnished unit, and a parking pass. Tenants living in townhouses are responsible for their own utilities such as internet, hydro and gas. Tenants living in the apartments are responsible for their own internet connection. 

In Beaver and Ausable, included in your lease is an unfurnished unit, and parking pass. Tenants living in townhouses are responsible for their own utilities such as internet, hydro and gas. Tenants living in the apartments are responsible for their own internet connection. 

In Bayfield Hall, included in your lease is a furnished or unfurnished unit, your offer will indicate which you have been placed in. All utilities, including internet, are included in your lease agreement. Parking is available to purchase through Western Parking services. 

Are pets allowed in the units? 

Answer: Yes, pets are permitted with some restrictions. Tenants must follow community pet guidelines, including leashing in common areas, cleaning up after animals and ensuring pets do not cause disturbances. 
 

Current Tenants

How do I submit a maintenance request? 

Answer: You can submit a maintenance request online by contacting the Western Apartments Office at western.apartments@uwo.ca. For emergencies (e.g., flooding, no heat), contact the after-hours emergency line of Ontario Hall (519.661.2088). 

Can I renew my lease or stay longer? 

Answer: Before a lease expires, a tenant can apply for a new offer to remain in the apartment, provided certain conditions are met. When it comes time to apply for a new lease, a notice with instructions is delivered to all tenants offering the opportunity to apply by a provided deadline. Typically, notices and deadlines for lease applications to existing tenants are delivered about 3–4 months before the current lease ends. Approval for a new lease is based on:  

• Continued full-time student status, enrolment at Western (Main Campus).  

• Rental payment record is in good standing.  

• No major or frequent conduct issues.  
 

*Conduct issues can be noise complaints from community members, reports of smoking in the units or on apartment grounds, condition of unit, unreported occupants in the units, disrespect made to the Rental Office staff according to the Rental Office Expectations, unreported maintenance or pest infestations or non-compliance with regular or necessary maintenance services, including required pest treatments. 

How do I pay rent or check my account balance? 

Answer: Rent is due on the first business day of each month and can be paid by any of the following methods:  

• Online banking.  

• Mastercard, Visa, Debit Mastercard or Visa Debit online.  

• Interact and credit card (Visa, Mastercard) at the Rental Office.  

• Bank draft, money order, certified or personal cheque, dropped off at the Rental Office. 

• International payments through Convera.  

Cash is strictly not accepted. Online payments made with a Mastercard, Visa, Debit Mastercard or Visa Debit are accepted and can be made through the myHousing Portal using the student’s Western credentials. In the portal, via the ‘Western Apartments’ tab, click on ‘Pay your rent online’. Follow the prompts to add payment to card and submit.  

How can I break my lease? 

Answer: Tenants can request to end tenancy earlier than their lease end with two (2) full months’ notice (if it is not their first 12-month lease). Tenants remain financially responsible for the original lease signed, until approved by the Rental Office and a new N11 is signed by both tenant(s) that will determine a new end date to the lease and tenancy. The most recently signed N11 form will replace the termination date on the original lease and N11. 

Can I transfer units once I live in Western Apartments? 

Answer: Tenants may request a transfer to another unit at any time, but due to high demand, not all requests can be accommodated. To be eligible, tenants must have lived in their current unit for at least 12 months and maintained good tenancy. 

Approved transfers require a new lease and N11 form and are subject to unit inspection. Damages will be charged to the tenant, and poor unit conditions may result in withdrawal of the transfer offer. Transfer offers are based on availability, internal and external demand and may be at a new tenant rate or a rate set by Western Housing. 

Can I sublet my unit? 

Answer: Tenants may request to sublet their unit during a temporary leave. Sublets must be approved by Western Housing and meet eligibility requirements. The sublet agreement is between the tenant and the subletter; Western Housing has no direct contractual relationship with the subletter. Tenants remain fully responsible for the unit and the subletter’s conduct. 

Subletters are covered under the tenant’s insurance only if approved and a written agreement is in place. Approved sublets are for a maximum of four (4) months. Tenants must authorize key access for subletters. 

Subletters who wish to become tenants must apply through the standard process and are considered under the lottery process.  

Western Housing reserves the right to deny sublet requests that do not meet eligibility criteria.