Off-Campus Housing
Looking for a spot off-campus?
Whether you’re living in a new place for your first time, or tenth time, we have everything you need to make sure you feel comfortable and safe in your Sackville home!
Finding a New Place
If you’re moving out of residence or looking to live off-campus for the first time, or you’d like a refresher, this is the section for you!
[1] Learn more about housing
We understand that renting for the first time is a big step and that there are a lot of things you might not know about it.
Check out our new Off-Campus Housing Handbook for tons of necessary and helpful information about living on your own in Sackville!
[2] Find your perfect place
Once you read about exactly what you’re looking for, who you’d like to live with and where you’d like to be, visit our MASU Off-Campus Housing Directory and other resources to find your perfect place to live!
Getting Situated
What should you keep in mind before, during and after your tenancy?
[1] “Paying your security deposit is the start of a tenancy.” -Stéphanie Basque, Residential Tenancies Officer with the RTT
Did you know? You can pay your security deposit directly to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal (RTT), without going through your landlord if you wish!
Why do this?
It guarantees that your deposit will not be withheld from you
It guarantees that your deposit will be given back fairly at the end of the year, whether damages were made or not
Before your tenancy starts
Ask your landlord for the amount to be paid as a security deposit and inform them that you will be paying the deposit directly to the RTT
Visit any Service New Brunswick office - you pay there!
You will receive a receipt of payment and yourself and your landlord will both receive certificates proving that the deposit has been made
Fill out an Accommodation Inspection Report (below) and take photos of your new place (including if there are previous damages). This is so important to not be charged at the end of the year for damages you did not do!
To get your deposit back
Apply for the return of the security deposit immediately (the day after if you can!) after the tenancy is finished
Send any proof you have to show damages that you did not do
[2] Look into Tenant’s Insurance
What is it?
Insurance that covers the cost of your personal belongings in the event of a fire, flood or another accident outside of your control
Why is it important?
Compensation in the event of an accident is important! You never know what can happen and you do not want to start from scratch.
How do I acquire it?
Contact multiple insurance companies to get a quote and decide from there! The amount you pay per month will depend on the value of your items.
[3] Stock up on tips and tricks!
Whether you are a first-time renter or have moved around Sackville for what feels like eons, there is always something new to learn! Check out the resources on the right, or ask your friends, family members or roommates - most people have stories, advice and must-have items that they are willing to share!
For additional information about food, transportation, sustainability and the greater community, visit the bottom of this page!
Addressing Issues or Concerns
It’s important to know where to go for help! Take advantage of some resources below.
[1] The MASU is always here
Do not hesitate to reach out to the Vice President, External Affairs at masuexternal@mta.ca or (506) 364-2515 during office hours!
[2] The Residential Tenancies Tribunal
The Residential Tenancies Tribunal is the provincial bureaucratic body responsible for the management and enforcement of the Residential Tenancies Act in New Brunswick, which outlines all legal rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords in the province.
Any questions or concerns regarding your rights as a tenant, your landlord’s behaviour, or anything else with respect to off-campus housing can and should be directed to the RTT! They are here and eager to help inform and assist with all housing related matters.
On April 8th, 2021, former Vice President, External Affairs Sydney Thorburn held an off-campus housing information session with Steve Gourdeau from the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. Watch the session’s recording below for even more information about being a tenant in New Brunswick.
Sustainability Off-Campus
How can you be environmentally-conscious while living off-campus? Explore below!
Sort your waste
Put your waste out
Combat waste by ensuring your trash is going in the right place! If your place has curb-side pick up, make sure you’re sorting properly and putting your bags on the road at the right time.
Recycle your bottles
Wheaton’s All-In-One accepts bottles, cans, containers, copper, aluminum, batteries, radiators, brass, stainless steel, lead, cast iron and more! Drop off your recyclables any time for a refund so that they do not end up in the landfill. This is an easy way to do your part!
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Wednesday, Saturday: 9 AM - 12 PM
Additional Things to Know!
Off-campus living comes with so many other things - take a look at what the MASU and Town of Sackville have to offer below.
Food security
Getting around
More about the Town of Sackville and Tantramar region
The Community Food Smart program:
A monthly bag of $45 worth of produce for $15, ordered through the MASU
Visit the food page to learn more!
Grocery stores in Town:
Roses’ Your Independent Grocer: 75 Main Street
The Foodland: 11 Wright Street
Quality Grocery (part of Black Duck Café): 19 Bridge Street
The Sackville Food Bank:
All students are welcome, no matter the need, desire or circumstance
Visit the MASU food page to learn more!
The Sackville Bike Co-op:
Rent a bicycle through the MASU to explore Sackville and the surrounding areas! The Co-op is open all summer long until mid-October each year.
Urban/Rural Rides:
Getting around Sackville or to Moncton can be tricky without having access to a vehicle. Urban/Rural Rides works to fill this need - check out their website to learn more.
The Maritime Bus:
Looking to get home, or visit other Maritime provinces? Check the bus schedule on their website and make a reservation at an affordable price!
The Airport Shuttle
Each year, the MASU offers services to get to and from the Greater Moncton airport around exam season. Visit the Airport Shuttle page to learn more!
Where can you fly from?
The Town of Sackville:
Everything you need to know about services, resources and events is on their website!
Or follow them on social media:
Facebook: The Town of Sackville, New Brunswick
Instagram: @sackvillenb
Twitter: @SackvilleTownNB
The Tantramar Community Map:
Looking for things to do in the area? Want to explore outside of Sackville? Staying here for the summer? The Tantramar Community map has everything you need: find it on the MASU Community page!
Campaigns
We want students to be as informed as possible! In 2021, the MASU launched an Off-Campus Living 101 campaign to ensure that as students were choosing their off-campus accommodations, they were as informed as possible!
