Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my suite for business?

Tenants will use the premises for residential purposes only; will not conduct any business in or from their premises; will obey all laws, ordinances, and health regulations; and will do nothing that may injure the reputation or condition of the building or its owner. Solicitation of any kind, by guests or Tenants, is strictly prohibited.

What is fire prevention in the building?

Tenants will not do or keep anything in/about the premises that in any way will increase the risk of fire or that may conflict with fire or insurance regulations.

What are your rights?

Tenants shall respect the rights of all other tenants/occupants of the building to peace and quiet and will not disturb any of them unreasonably by shouting or other loud use of his or her voice, with noise, music, radios and televisions, odor, or in any other way. All abusive, disorderly, violent, or harassing conduct by a Tenant, including but not limited to abusive and/or foul language, sexually explicit comments toward tenants, occupants, or management is prohibited and is grounds for immediate termination of tenancy. Likewise, vandalism of any kind by a Tenant on or to Landlord's property is prohibited.

What is your responsibility?

Tenants are responsible for the behavior of all their guests, visitors, and invitees. Such persons may not break Tenants' Lease or these Rules and Regulations. Tenants are responsible to pay for any damages or clean-up resulting from the conduct of their guests, visitors, and invitees. Tenants will use toilets, tubs, and sinks only for their primary purpose and will never use them to dispose of sweepings, rubbish, rags, garbage, sanitary napkins, or other items likely to clog them. Tenants are liable to pay Landlord for any expense it incurs for repairing damage (including unclogging toilets and drains) caused by Tenants, their guests, or invitees. Tenants will perform reasonable housekeeping in their premises to maintain them in a clean, neat, and sanitary condition.

What are the common area regulations?

Tenants will not remove batteries from smoke detectors or in any other way disarm them.

What is included in my rent?

Your rent includes gas, water, furniture, snow removal, maintenance, and cleaning of building common areas. Unlimited high speed internet is also included at no extra charge. Electricity/hydro, cable TV and phone are the tenant’s responsibility, but we can provide you with all necessary contact numbers to make connection arrangements.

Do you rent to individuals or groups?

We rent to both individuals and groups, as we offer a number of luxurious suite styles. If you are looking for a roommate we recommend visiting our roommate matching system at https://www.accommod8u.com/roommate-matching-system.

What is a last month rent deposit?

Accommod8u collects a deposit, equivalent to a month’s rent, at the time of signing. This is cashed when your lease is signed, and covers the very last month you live with us.

What is a key deposit?

A key deposit is payable at the time of signing. At the end of your occupancy, once your room is emptied and cleaned, an outgoing inspection report will be completed. Once that’s completed, you hand your keys in and your deposit will be returned to you.

Can I sublet my room?

Yes, you can sublet your room. All you have to do is submit a Sublet Request. This can be done through your Tenant Portal by clicking on the Service tab and selecting Sublet Request. We will continue to deposit your post-dated cheques and the subletter will pay the rent directly to you.

If I sign a 1, 2 or 3 year lease do I still need to submit a Termination Form?

Yes, you are still required to provide a Termination Form to our office on or before the deadline. Information regarding the deadline, along with the Termination Form, are available from our office.

I’m graduating this year and finishing my last term at the end of August. I want to ensure I end my lease on time (end of August). Does that mean I don’t need to submit a Termination Form?

You still need to submit a Termination Form to our office to end your occupancy. Information regarding the deadline, along with the Termination Form, are available from our office.

Is Accommod8u compliant with the new Ontario standard lease?

As of April 30, 2018, the government of Ontario requires the use of the standard lease template for all new leases. Accommod8u is compliant with such regulations and follows all steps and procedures set within the guidelines of the new Ontario standard lease. Further information on the new Ontario standard lease can be found at http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/Page18704.aspx

Do you accept international payment?

We now accept payment using OTT pay. OTT is secure, seamless and trusted. https://ott.ca/

There isn't a shower curtain - do I need to purchase one?

Yes. As per your signed lease, you have agreed to purchase your own shower curtain to prevent water damage throughout your suite/unit and the property. Water damage as a result of a missing shower curtain is your responsibility, meaning the cost associated with such damages will be charged to the leaseholder. Floor mats are highly recommended as well.

What if our toilet is overflowing?

As a courtesy, we will plunge your toilet for $40 if the toilet overflows as a result of a clog (e.g., too much toilet paper). Ideally, you should invest in a plunger. If it is an emergency, please contact us immediately to address the issue.

My bathroom fan will not turn off. Is it broken?

Your bathroom fan may not be broken. In your suite’s common area you will find a switch, similar to a light switch. This switch is your primary on/off control of the fan in the bathroom. If your primary switch is ON this will prevent the fan switch from working in the bathroom. Considering so, please ensure that this switch is left OFF at all times.

How do I unclog my toilet?

Simple problems such as a clogged or running toilet, can be easy to fix! It is recommended you follow the FAQ and try to resolve the issue on your own first. If you cannot and need professional assistance you should complete a work order through the tenant portal. *Note: this might be a chargeable service Most toilet clogs can be resolved quickly with a plunger. However, if you do not have a plunger:

• Fill the toilet with dish soap or laundry detergent

Why is my toilet always running?

A continuously running toilet is usually caused by a flapper (the rubber or plastic valve in the bottom of your tank), that fails to seal. Open the toilet tank and adjust the float arm to see if the water stops an inch below the overflow pipe. If the water doesn’t continue to fill, the flapper needs replaced. Submit a work order on your tenant portal and a field services member will be out to assist.

How do I test my toilet for leaks?

Open the toilet tank and put a few drops of food colouring into the water. Return after 15 minutes to see if the colour inside the toilet bowl has changed. If the colour has changed, your toilet has a leak. But if the water in the toilet bowl is still clear, you do not have a leak. If you have a leak submit a work order on your tenant portal and a field services member will be out to assist.

Do I need to purchase tenant insurance?

We encourage our tenants to purchase insurance, in the event of a flood or fire.

Do I need to purchase tenant insurance?

We encourage our tenants to purchase insurance, in the event of a flood or fire.

Are there laundry facilities?

Yes, all of our buildings are equipped with Coinamatic operated washers and dryers. Coinamatic now has a mobile app, ready to go in the palm of your hand. Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and pay for your laundry via mobile. No more cards, no more coins, no more hassle! How it works?

Can I change my lock or keying?

Tenants will not add/change locks or keying in any way.

What if I get myself locked out of the suite?

If residents lose their key or become locked out of their apartment, the following options are available:

1. During posted normal business hours (excluding holidays) residents may come to the leasing office for assistance. There will be a fee for any replacement key provided. We cannot guarantee that the office will always be open during business hours. Resident must provide proof of identity before being allowed entry into the apartment.
2. After normal business hours, residents may contact the after-hours phone number provided thru the tenant portal or on the recorded office message, and a field servicers member, if available, will open the door. A callback number must be left so that the staff member can speak to the resident prior to opening the door. There will be a $175.00 fee charged for this service. Please understand that this service is provided as a convenience to residents and that a field services member may not be readily available if dealing with other emergencies and you may need to wait.
3. If you try to tamper with the lock devices on your unit you will be charged at your own cost and expense to return it to the state provided to you at time of move inn. Access to resident units needs to be supplied in case of an emergency. No alterations to the locks are permitted.

I can't lock my balcony door. Does the lock work?

Your door handle lock is designed to lock a specific way. In order to lock the door from the interior of your suite, please turn the lever upwards prior to turning the lock.

How do I acquire parking for myself and visitors?

Parking is provided by and can be acquired through Honk. Simply download the Honk mobile app to search, reserve and pay for parking as needed.

Are cars allowed to be parked on the street overnight?

Every license plate is allowed 15 free street parking exemptions throughout January-December with the City of Waterloo. Check the City of Waterloo’s website for information on snow bans in the coming months. You can visit www.waterloo.ca/en/parking/to register your vehicle.

Is there Accessible Parking available?

Yes, our properties have Accessible Parking as well as accessible entrances.

The lights and power outlets in one of my rooms aren't working / I lost power in my suite.

An overloaded circuit is the primary reason for a breaker tripping and occurs when a circuit has more connected electrical load than it is supposed to have. First, make sure that you have turned off all appliances and devices that are connected to that breaker. You will know which these are, as they will not currently be working. Locate the electrical box and find the breaker that has tripped. Push it back to the “OFF” position (it may already be there) and then back to the “ON” position like all the other breakers. If this does not work, please file a maintenance request. This can be done through your Tenant Portal by clicking on the Service tab and selecting Maintenance Request. There are also reset buttons on select GFI outlets, only to be pressed if you lose power from the outlets and the orange indicator light is on.

Our heating and/or air conditioning is not working!

Please ensure your thermostat is set correctly to heat or cool and the fan is on “Auto” setting. Then ensure all windows are closed properly and in the lock position. If this still does not fix the issue, you can log into your personalized Tenant Portal to file a maintenance request. This can be done through your Tenant Portal by clicking on the Service tab and selecting Maintenance Request.

I'm having trouble accessing the internet.

Please contact TriCityWifi 519.722.WIFI (9434) for any support related inquiries. 201 Lester, 202 Lester, 203 Lester, 208 Sunview: Please contact COMU at 1 (888) 862-4750 131 University, 256 Lester: Please contact Rogers at 1 888 764-3771

I can’t seem to log-on to my Tenant Portal.

Your Tenant Portal is accessible 24/7. If you’re having difficulty logging on, it could be due to an outstanding balance on the account. This could be missing documents or payments. You will be unable to log-on to your Tenant Portal until your account is up-to-date.

I am a tenant at 131 University or 256 Lester, how do I set up my hydro?

Hydro is provided by Wyse Meter Solutions. In order to set up your hydro, you will need to Click here to fill out the Service Contract and email it to enrollment@wyseutilities.com. Once your request has been submitted during standard business hours, your hydro should be online within 48 hours.

I am a tenant at 131 University or 256 Lester, how do I set up my WIFI?

Your WIFI is provided by Rogers Inc. Contact an accommodation consultant for more information on how to set up your account. Find out more about Rogers here.

I am a tenant at the Hub, how do I set up my hydro?

Your hydro is provided by Provident Energy Management Inc. Contact an accommodation consultant for more information on how to set up your account. Find out more about Provident here.

I am a tenant at Accommod8u, how do I set up my hydro?

Your hydro is provided by Waterloo North Hydro Inc. Contact an accommodation consultant for more information on how to set up your account. Find out more here:

What should be included in a work order?

Common Area Work Orders can be submitted on the Tenant Portal for items in your building outside of your unit. We want to hear about graffiti, leaks, missing or damaged finishing’s in the corridors, landscape concerns, safety hazards and items that effect the enjoyment of our community in our buildings. Work orders can include details on what and where the job is located, the urgency, nature of the issue, and when the issue occurred. A picture is worth a thousand words. If you can capture and include a picture when you submit on the tenant portal it will help our field services team in resolving the concern.

How can I clear my clogged drain without chemicals?

The simplest method to clear a clogged drain without chemicals by using baking soda and vinegar:

• Pour ½ cup of baking soda and ½ cup of vinegar down the drain

Why Is My Kitchen Sink Taking Longer to Drain?

If your kitchen sink is taking longer to empty, a clog is likely forming in some part of the drain. A plunger may be able to pull out the obstruction. You could also use baking soda and vinegar solution, along with boiling water to loosen and break up the clog. If this does not solve the issue, try watching the video here. Still having an issue? Submit a work order and our field services team will assist.

How Do I Clean my Dishwasher?

Clean your dishwasher by filling the detergent container with white vinegar and running the machine on a long, hot cycle. Do not leave any dishes in the washer for this cleaning cycle. Repeat as necessary.

Why Is My Dishwasher Not Draining?

If your dishwasher isn’t draining, it’s likely due to a leaky inlet valve and/or mineral deposits in the pipes. Empty the dishwasher and start a new cycle on empty. Cancel the cycle after a few seconds and open the door. If the water is gone, the dishwasher is fine. If not, the inlet valve should be replaced. Still having an issue? Submit a work order and our field services team will assist.

How does my thermostat works?

We’ve all done it. Looked at the little thermostat box and wondered how to use its settings and buttons to somehow get the right amount of heat or cool air circulating in our home. Unfortunately, mashing buttons at random can often lead to improper heating and AC settings that can drive up your utility bill unnecessarily. Master Your Thermostat Buttons TEMPERATURE: By keeping your thermostat at 68 degrees in the winter, you will be comfortable and keep your costs down. At bedtime when everyone is asleep or during the day when all are at school or work, lowering the thermostat 6 to 10 degrees is usually a good idea. If you are comfortable turning down the thermostat even more, even 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours, you can save 5%-15% per year on your heating bill-- that is huge savings! In the summer, do the exact opposite. Try setting the thermostat to 75 to 78 degrees when you’re home and turn the temperature up a few degrees when you’re away, so less air conditioning is needed. SETTINGS: When it comes to how to operate your thermostat, this area is key. So, if you want to save energy, it’s typically best to put your thermostat setting to “AUTO.” In the AUTO mode, the system only moves air while your HVAC is running and shuts off when the set temperature is reached. When your thermostat is in the “ON” setting, the blower will always be running, even if the temperature set point has been achieved. In addition, if you set and leave the fan switch to ON, it runs continuously, often an extra 200 hours a month. This puts a lot of unnecessary extra wear and tear on the system and your hydro bill. In summer, setting your AC fan to “AUTO” will also help decrease home humidity by giving condensation a chance to drain instead of sending it back into the home. While it does use more energy, this is just the ticket if you are trying to rid your home of a smoke smell or something you need to flush out. EVEN MORE TIPS ON HOW TO OPERATE YOUR THERMOSTAT:

• When you shower or bathe, use the bathroom fan to remove the heat and humidity from your home.

How do I terminate my lease?

A regular lease is up to three years. Given a multi-year lease, tenants are able to opt out or shorten their lease each year. The termination deadlines are located on page 2 of the tenancy agreement. Tenants have until January 15 of each year to give notice to terminate their lease for the incoming August.

What are my responsibilities as a sublet?

Tenant v. Sublet v. Authorized User — Responsibilities and difference The tenant is also referred as the lease holder — this term is used interchangeably. Tenants have full access to their accounts on their Tenant Portal and are free to make changes to their account, request information about their lease, and put in maintenance requests. A tenant has the full responsibility of their lease. A sublet is an individual(s) that the tenant authorizes to act as the current occupant of the unit or room they are contracted to. A sublet must be registered by the tenant through the tenant portal for security purposes. The sublet must report any deficiencies to the unit should they require maintenance assistance to the tenant. The tenant is responsible for any damages done by the sublet. An authorized user is an individual that the tenant may register on their tenant portal to get access to their account. An authorized user is typically registered as part of the move-in and move-out process should the tenant require a third party to perform the inspection and key pick-up and drop off during the time.