For students living in off-campus housing across Niagara, May 1 is an important date for lease agreements with landlords.

This typically marks the move-out date for students who have wrapped up their academic studies for the year, and move-in for others who are arriving for Spring/Summer courses.

However, with the Province of Ontario continuing in its state of emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Brock University has taken significant steps to follow the recommendations of public health officials — including moving all classes for the Winter, Spring and Summer 2020 terms to online-only.

Brock’s office of Off-Campus Living and Neighbourhood Relations has reached out to students currently living off-campus and landlords to encourage them to be flexible and take steps necessary to safely follow public health guidelines.

With no in-person classes for Spring/Summer, students are urged to practice physical distancing by returning or staying home regardless of lease agreements.

If they can remain in place at home, students may consider sub-letting their vacant rooms to students who are not able to safely travel home. Students can create a free advertisement to sublet their room monthly or for the Spring/Summer Term on the Brock Off-Campus Living website.

Answers to a wide range of questions for students living off-campus can be found on the FAQ section of Brock’s coronavirus webpage.

Brock has announced a commitment to delivering a Fall 2020 term, but what delivery method will be used for classes is still being determined in consultation with local, provincial and federal public health officials. Students considering their lease options are encouraged to remain flexible and understand that a sufficient and strong inventory of housing options will remain available in the Niagara region throughout the spring, summer and into September.

Landlords are being asked to be patient and flexible with students while adhering to physical distancing requirements.

Brock is asking landlords to:

• Plan for move-in/out to ensure physical distancing, including staggered moving dates and times.
• Consider allowing students to keep their personal items in place.
• Offer student tenants a short-term lease such as month-to-month.
• Delay lease start dates.
• Facilitate sublets between tenants (current and future).
• Complete virtual showings and remote communications.

Landlords are also asked to follow strict cleaning and disinfecting recommendations for all surfaces and items within the home or unit and ensure appropriate measures have been taken between tenant turnover. It’s encouraged to allow at least three days between re-occupying a furnished unit.

The Niagara Region has temporarily suspended curbside collection of large household items and appliances. The Region is encouraging landlords to hold on to items until service has resumed or bring them to a Niagara Region landfill site for disposal, free of charge.

Off-campus students and landlords with questions or concerns can contact the Off-Campus Living and Neighbourhood Relations Office at ocl@brocku.ca

For more information and updates on Brock’s COVID-19 response, please visit brocku.ca/coronavirus