FAQ
1. How do I Rent at Solstice?
Call our Rental agent at 519.342.0608 or rent@domushousing.com and we can schedule a tour. Viewing can be scheduled for next day and on. We try our best to give our current tenants 24 hours notice for viewings, so be proactive and call ahead of the day you plan to make an appointment!
We manage only a selection of units at both Solstice 1 & 2. The units are independently owned.
2. How do I cancel a viewing?
Call 519.342.0608 x 2 to cancel your viewing, in as much advance as you can.
3. At a showing, do I wait outside for the leasing agent? (YES!)
Please wait in the main lobby for the leasing agent if he or she is not already there for you. Do not knock on the unit door, even if you are early. Remember that we want to be respectful of the current tenants.
4. What should I consider when I'm renting a place to live?
Think about...
- how many people you want to share a living space with
- who you want to be your housemates
- what your budget is
- how far you're willing to live away from campus
- how close the nearest bus stop is and what routes service that area
5. Do you rent to individuals or groups?
Solstice is open to both single and group applicants.
6. What do I need to put down to secure a room?
You will need to place a deposit (immediate payment) of last month's rent to secure the room in your name. This is a non-refundable deposit. The deposit secures the room/suite for 5 days, at which time all lease documents need to be completed including FOB deposit and rent payments arrangements.
7. Is the deposit refundable?
The last month's rent deposit is not refundable. See below for FOB deposit info.
8. What is the FOB deposit, and how much does it cost?
A $200 refundable FOB deposit must be paid within FIVE days of the initial deposit. It can be paid by debit, credit (w/ 4% service fee), or post-dated cheque. You can post-date the cheque to be cashed on the 1st day of your lease.
The FOB deposit is refundable, as long as you return ALL keys and FOBs by the last date of your lease. A FOB deposit return cheque will be issued to you on the last day of your lease.
The FOB deposit is not a security deposit. FOB deposits are legal. Unreturned FOBs take time and money to replace. For more information, please follow this link to the Landlord & Tenant Board site.
9. How do I get the FOB deposit back?
FOB deposit refund cheques will be prepared to hand back on the last day of your lease. Provided you return all of your keys and FOB's on time you will receive your cheque back immediately. If you don't return all your keys and FOB's on time, there will be a fee.
10. How long is a lease?
We offer three-year leases with the option to terminate after one year, or to renew for up to 3 years at the same rental price.
11. Where can I read over a copy of the lease?
Review a sample copy by contacting our Lease Advisors at living@domushousing.com. You will be able to print out a personalized lease after you (and your entire group) have made a deposit and started the online lease process. Once you make a deposit, we will send you a link via email to begin filling out a personal information form. The lease is created using your information and from there, the link outlines instructions to complete the rest of the lease documentation.
12. How does the online lease process work?
Short answer: it's easy! Click here to see!
In more detail, follow these steps:
When you make a deposit on a rental, we send a link to your email to kick-start the lease process. The lease is to be completed entirely online. If you do not receive this link in your email, check your junk mail to make sure it didn't end up there. If it's not in your inbox or junk mail, call the office at 519 342 0608 x 1 or send an email to living@domushousing.com to see if we can resend it or correct a wrong email address.
Once you have the email, click on the link and follow the step-by-step instructions.
If you are part of a group of 2 or more, you must ALL complete your section of the lease in order for the whole lease to be complete. Even if you have completed your section, your lease is not done until your roommates complete their parts.
All lease documents are due within FIVE days after making a deposit. It is always best to complete everything in your package in this time to avoid admin fees and to ensure that you don't forget anything. Promotions or limited time offers may expire if you don't complete your lease in time.
Once you have handed in everything, be sure to go back to the link and double-check that you are completely finished.
13. Why do you ask for a method of payment so far in advance?
Ease for all parties, and for you to avoid incurring the lawful rent fee is the short answer. Your method of payment is required as part of your lease package which is due within five days of making a deposit.
14. What is a Guarantor Form?
Having a guarantor for your lease is very similar to getting a co-signer for a mortgage. It ensures the landlord will get paid if a tenant does not pay the rent. In the majority of cases, a resident's parents act as the guarantor. Therefore, if you do not pay your rent, expect your landlord to call your parents and nobody wants that to happen! A guarantor must be a citizen/permanent resident of Canada and to have a full-time job. If you do not have anyone to sign as a guarantor, you can talk to your Lease Advisor about setting up a Guarantor Fund (two months of pre-paid rent in lieu of a guarantor).
15. Will my unit be cleaned before I move in?
All tenants read and sign a waiver in the lease package that outlines our policy on cleaning between rental terms. It requires each tenant to understand that the unit will be cleaned between move-ins and further cleaning by you and/or your group may be required to achieve personal standards. We do not re-send cleaning crews. Our cleaning crews empty all contents left behind by previous renters, clean appliances, floors, and bathrooms. The cleaners leave behind a checklist that they must check off to assure what jobs have been completed. The waiver also asks you to leave the unit in the condition you have found it upon move-out and states that you are responsible for any damage you or your guests cause beyond regular wear and tear.
16. Do I need renter's insurance?
Yes. In the waiver you sign as part of the leasing package, it states that a resident's belongings should be insured, either by renter's insurance or extended coverage under his or her parent/guardian's home insurance. Likewise, the management agrees to respond to all issues brought to their attention promptly and within the guidelines of the Residential Tenancies Act, 2008.
17. Is Solstice pet-friendly?
No, as a condo, the condo rules states no pets on the premises.
18. What are the rules about smoking?
Our houses and apartments are non-smoking buildings. Smoking inside, on a balcony, or within 10 feet of the building are against the conditions of the lease and can result in a $200 charge or more. If caught, you can be fined by the City of Guelph By-Law Enforcement.
19. Is subletting allowed?
Yes, as long as you register your sublet with Resident Services.
You can find a Sublet Contract Template on our FORMS page.
When you find a subletter, it's a good idea to have something in writing confirming your agreement. Complete a sublet contract and send in a copy to living@domushousing.com so that we have it on file.
Please note, you are still the resident but you are now acting like a "landlord" for your subletter. You will continue to pay rent to Domus, and you are responsible for collecting rent from your subletter.
20. Will you help me sublet?
Solstice offers a tip sheet and a generic Sublet Contract for you to modify and use. We do not advertise or do viewings to help sublet your room. Subletting can be successful for the Fall, Winter and Spring term in Guelph! Advertise early, be committed, and be prepared to drop your price if need be.
21. If I'm in an all-female OR all-male unit, can I sublet to a member of the opposite sex?
No, unless you talk to your roommates and get it in writing that this is acceptable.
Bottom line: communicate with everyone to avoid problems.
22. Do you help with roommate issues?
Our housing is not residence and we encourage residents to work out their differences/issues themselves. Feel free to contact Resident Services for advice if needed.
23. Are utilities included in the rent?
Electricity (hydro) and water are not included. Residents must sign up directly with the supplier (EnerCare Connections Inc).
24. Is there parking for residents?
Yes, parking is available at Solstice. There is a limited amount of parking spaces we manage at Domus Inc. You will be assigned a specific parking space after we receive your parking application and payment. Parking spaces are leased on a first come first served basis, so sign up early to ensure you get a space!
Residents are NOT allowed to park in visitor parking nor in commercial parking spaces.
25. How do I deal with my waste (garbage, recycling, and organics)?
Solstice 2 is equipped with a tri-sorter. Waste chutes are located on floors 2 to 6. Follow the instructions posted in the room. Residents on the first floor can take their waste to the waste room located on the first floor and put their waste in the appropriate bins. In this room there is also a place for sorted beer wine and spirit containers for those who do not wish to bring them back to the beer store. There are also recycle bins for batteries, light bulbs, and small electronics.
All cardboard bigger than 10 inches must be brought to the first floor garbage room. DO NOT put over-sized items down the waste chute system.
26. Do I have to use HE laundry detergent?
Yes! All units have energy efficient laundry machines installed. You MUST use HE detergents to prevent damages or leaks. Look for detergents marked with an HE symbol when shopping for detergents.
27. How do I clean my dryer lint trap?
Lint traps are located on the wall or ceiling by the dryer. They are square and have a knob handle. To clean, pull the knob thus exposing the lint trap. Clean the lint out of the trap, then replace the cover when done.
