Edmonton

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Temporary Housing

Details on options like hotels, motels, and short-term rentals suitable for new arrivals and visitors.

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Comprehensive Guide to Temporary Housing in Edmonton, Canada

Edmonton, the capital city of Alberta, is a vibrant and growing urban center with a variety of temporary housing options to suit different needs and budgets. Whether you're visiting for a short stay, relocating, or transitioning to permanent housing, this guide will help you navigate the available options, costs, rental procedures, and practical considerations.

1. Types of Temporary Housing in Edmonton

a. Hotels and Extended-Stay Hotels

  • Description: Hotels are ideal for short-term stays, while extended-stay hotels cater to those staying for weeks or months. These accommodations often include amenities like housekeeping, Wi-Fi, and kitchenettes.
  • Examples:
    • Extended Stay Canada: Offers fully furnished suites with kitchen facilities.
    • Sandman Signature Edmonton South Hotel: Provides extended-stay options with modern amenities.
  • Average Costs:
    • Standard hotels: CAD 100โ€“200 per night.
    • Extended-stay hotels: CAD 1,500โ€“3,000 per month.

b. Short-Term Rentals (Furnished Apartments and Condos)

  • Description: Fully furnished apartments or condos available for rent on a weekly or monthly basis. These are popular among professionals and families.
  • Platforms:
    • Airbnb: Wide range of furnished apartments and homes.
    • Vrbo: Vacation rentals, often suitable for families or groups.
    • Corporate Stays: Specializes in corporate housing with fully equipped units.
  • Average Costs:
    • One-bedroom apartment: CAD 1,200โ€“2,000 per month.
    • Two-bedroom apartment: CAD 1,800โ€“3,000 per month.

c. Hostels and Budget Accommodations

  • Description: Affordable, community-oriented housing options, often with shared facilities. Suitable for solo travelers or those on a tight budget.
  • Examples:
    • HI Edmonton Hostel: Offers dormitory-style and private rooms.
  • Average Costs:
    • Dormitory beds: CAD 30โ€“50 per night.
    • Private rooms: CAD 60โ€“100 per night.

d. Temporary Housing for Newcomers (Immigrants and Refugees)

  • Description: Non-profit organizations and government programs provide temporary housing for newcomers, often at subsidized rates.
  • Examples:
    • Catholic Social Services: Offers transitional housing for refugees and immigrants.
    • Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers (EMCN): Provides settlement support, including housing assistance.
  • Costs: Often free or heavily subsidized for eligible individuals.

e. Sublets and Shared Housing

  • Description: Renting a room or subletting an apartment from someone who is temporarily away. Shared housing is common among students and young professionals.
  • Platforms:
    • Kijiji Edmonton: Local classifieds for sublets and shared housing.
    • Facebook Marketplace: Active listings for short-term rentals.
  • Average Costs:
    • Room in shared housing: CAD 500โ€“800 per month.
    • Sublet apartment: CAD 1,000โ€“1,800 per month.

f. Temporary Housing for Students

  • Description: Universities and colleges in Edmonton often provide short-term housing for students, especially during the summer months.
  • Examples:
    • University of Alberta Guest Accommodation: Offers short-term stays in residence halls.
    • MacEwan University Residence: Provides temporary housing for students and visitors.
  • Costs: CAD 50โ€“100 per night or CAD 1,000โ€“1,500 per month.

2. Rental Procedures

a. Booking Process

  • Hotels and Hostels: Book online through official websites or platforms like Booking.com or Expedia.
  • Short-Term Rentals: Use platforms like Airbnb or contact property management companies directly.
  • Sublets and Shared Housing: Contact the landlord or tenant directly through platforms like Kijiji or Facebook Marketplace.

b. Documents Required

  • For most temporary housing, minimal documentation is required. However, for sublets or short-term leases, you may need:
    • Government-issued ID (e.g., passport, driverโ€™s license).
    • Proof of income or employment (sometimes requested for longer stays).
    • Security deposit (typically one monthโ€™s rent).

c. Payment Methods

  • Credit cards are widely accepted for hotels and online bookings.
  • Cash, e-transfers, or cheques may be required for sublets or shared housing.

3. Availability and Locations

a. High-Demand Areas

  • Downtown Edmonton: Close to business centers, restaurants, and attractions like Rogers Place and the Art Gallery of Alberta.
  • Whyte Avenue (Old Strathcona): A trendy area with vibrant nightlife, cafes, and boutique shops.
  • University Area: Ideal for students and academics, with easy access to the University of Alberta and public transit.

b. Proximity to Amenities

  • Public Transit: Look for accommodations near Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) bus stops or LRT (Light Rail Transit) stations for easy commuting.
  • Shopping and Groceries: Areas like South Edmonton Common, West Edmonton Mall, and Oliver Square offer access to stores and supermarkets.
  • Parks and Recreation: Consider neighborhoods near the North Saskatchewan River Valley for outdoor activities.

4. Organizations and Services Specializing in Temporary Housing

a. Non-Profit and Government Resources

  • Catholic Social Services: www.cssalberta.ca
  • Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers (EMCN): www.emcn.ab.ca
  • Bissell Centre: Offers housing support for low-income individuals and families.

b. Online Platforms

c. Temporary Housing Agencies

  • Premiere Suites Edmonton: Specializes in fully furnished executive rentals.
  • Urban Manor Housing Society: Provides transitional housing for individuals in need.

5. Cultural and Practical Tips

a. Cultural Considerations

  • Politeness: Canadians value politeness and clear communication. Be respectful when negotiating rental terms.
  • Diversity: Edmonton is a multicultural city, so youโ€™ll find neighborhoods with diverse communities and cultural amenities.

b. Practical Tips

  • Start Early: Temporary housing can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons (summer and winter holidays).
  • Inspect Before Committing: If possible, visit the property or request a virtual tour to ensure it meets your expectations.
  • Understand Lease Terms: For sublets or short-term rentals, clarify the duration, payment terms, and any additional fees (e.g., utilities, cleaning).
  • Public Transit Access: Edmontonโ€™s public transit system is reliable, so prioritize accommodations near bus stops or LRT stations if you donโ€™t have a car.

By considering your budget, location preferences, and length of stay, you can find a temporary housing option in Edmonton that meets your needs. Whether youโ€™re a visitor, student, or newcomer, Edmonton offers a range of accommodations to help you settle in comfortably.