Offering Flexible Leases for Student Housing
Student First Rentals is an initiative to recognize landlords going above and beyond to provide flexible leasing options for students during these uncertain times. Landlords committed to providing terms which ease the financial strain on students will receive a “Student First Rental” badge and a FREE Premium listing on our Off-Campus Housing Service.

Students - What does "Student First Rental" mean?
- Landlord has committed to offering flexible housing solutions to students in the McMaster community.
- Solutions may include month-to-month leases, flex pricing, easy-exit clauses and more.
- Landlord listings qualifying for the program will receive “Student First Rental” badge on their featured photo and a complimentary Premium listing.
Note: all tenancy agreements are private contracts determined between the landlords and tenants. It is the responsibility of both parties to ensure the terms of contract are agreeable to both sides before signing.

Landlords - "How do I apply to be a Student First Rental?"
Landlords offering leases which fit a certain criteria will be awarded “Student First Rental” status and receive a complimentary Premium listing (renewable up to one time).
To qualify, you must commit to the following:
- Providing 2-3 days between tenant move-out/move-in and ensure the house/room and common areas are throughly disinfected between tenants
- Providing flexibility in lease terms including at least one of the following:
- Short-term leases (i.e. month-to-month, 4-month terms)
- 8-month leases (September 2020 to April 2021)
- Providing flexibility in lease payment options including at least one of the following:
- Individualized flexible payment dates and terms witch allow rent ‘catch-up’ periods
- A minimum 15% reduction in rental payments for months student is not living in the space
- A minimum of 30% reduction in rental payments for the balance of months remaining on the lease if the student needs to terminate early and is no longer living in the space
DISCLAIMER
By using this Site, you acknowledge and agree that McMaster University has not investigated any listing herein and neither directly nor indirectly endorses or approves of any listing or content provided, or to be provided, by anyone whether directly or indirectly related to the use of this Site. You agree that you will not state or imply that use of this Site is any endorsement by McMaster University or its employees. These terms relate to all listings on this Site, including without limitation, those listings pursuant to the Students First Program.