Overview and Location
49 Columbia Street is a student housing property situated in Waterloo, Ontario, within the regional municipality of Kitchener. The building is managed by Maison Canada, a company that operates several student residences in the area. Its address places it close to the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University campuses, making it a convenient option for students attending those institutions.
The property offers five-bedroom units (listed as “5b”), meaning each apartment is shared among five tenants, with individual bedrooms and shared common spaces such as kitchen, living room, and bathrooms. The building includes a laundry facility, a study area, and bills included in the rent (utilities such as electricity, water, heating, and internet are covered in the monthly payment – indicative; confirm with the operator for exact inclusions).
Google Maps shows a location rating of 3.5 stars based on 28 reviews. The limited number of reviews means the overall score is based on a small sample, so individual experiences can vary significantly.
Who This Residence Suits
49 Columbia Street is best suited for students who prioritize an all-inclusive rent to simplify budgeting. Because bills are covered, there are no separate utility accounts to set up or fluctuating charges to track. This is particularly helpful for international students or first-time renters who may not be familiar with Canadian utility billing.
The property’s unit type (5-bedroom) works well for groups of friends who want to live together under one lease. If you already have four other people you trust, you can fill the whole unit and have control over who your roommates are. Alternatively, if you book individually, the operator will assign you to an existing group, which can be a way to meet other students.
The presence of a study area on site is a plus for students who need a quiet space to work outside their bedroom. The laundry facility saves the hassle of finding a nearby laundromat.
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere
This residence may not be suitable for students who prefer a private bathroom or a smaller number of roommates. With five people sharing one or two bathrooms, peak morning schedules could be tight. Also, if you are not comfortable sharing a kitchen with four others, a studio or a 1‑bedroom unit (if available elsewhere) might be a better fit.
The building has received mixed feedback, particularly regarding management responsiveness and cleanliness. One review (detailed below) strongly advises against moving here, citing poor maintenance and deposit issues. If you place a high value on landlord communication and move‑out transparency, you should thoroughly read the lease and ask clarifying questions before signing.
The property has no ratings provided by the listing platform, so you cannot rely on aggregated scores from that source. With only 28 Google reviews, the sample size is small, and a few very negative or very positive reviews can skew the overall perception.
What Residents Actually Say
Here are three Google reviews for 49 Columbia Street (presented verbatim, including any truncation):
Natalie Hasulyo (Rating: 1 out of 5)
“DO NOT MOVE HERE. They take advantage of students during a housing crisis that is happening right now. It’s dirty all the time, they never reply on time and take ur key deposit even if you clean after move out. Right now they are bribing students to write good reviews by giving Tim Horton cards out if students write a ”
Tatiana Bevilacqua (Rating: 4 out of 5)
“Although I do not agree with some policies and practicies on their rental agreement, I must say my overall experience with Maison Canada was positive, especially when compared to other student housing companies in the region. The building is well maintained and the units offer good space and amenities for a good price.”
J. B. KLAMTI (Rating: 5 out of 5)
“I am a post-doc student in Canada. My first lease in Canada was with Maison Canada. I would like to testify to the hospitality, the welcome and the kindness of the property manager, Darlene. As a newcomer, finding a good rental home with at least a minimum requirement during the Covid pandemic was very difficult. I rem”
These reviews illustrate a split in resident experiences. One tenant reports severe dissatisfaction with cleanliness, response times, and deposit deductions. Another acknowledges some lease concerns but found the property well maintained and reasonably priced. A third praises the property manager’s hospitality, especially during the pandemic. The contrasting views suggest that outcomes may depend on specific staff interactions, the condition of the particular unit, and the timing of the tenancy.
Price Positioning
The listing for 49 Columbia Street does not display a specific rent amount. However, the city’s “from price” for student housing in Kitchener is CAD 583 per month (indicative — confirm with the operator). This figure represents the lowest advertised price among properties in the same city on the platform.
Because this residence offers a 5‑bedroom unit type, the rent per tenant is typically lower than what you would pay for a studio or 1‑bedroom apartment. Shared accommodations often fall within the lower range of the city’s student housing market. If the per-person rent at 49 Columbia Street is near or slightly above CAD 583, it would be competitively priced. If it is significantly higher, you should compare it with other 5‑bedroom options in Kitchener–Waterloo.
Always verify the exact monthly rent, deposit amount, and any additional fees (such as key deposit or application fee) directly with the operator.
Room Types and Lease Terms
The only listed unit type is “5b”, meaning a five‑bedroom apartment. No other configurations (e.g., 4‑bedroom, studio) are available. Each bedroom is private, and common areas are shared.
The lease start date is 01 September 2026. This is a common move‑in date aligned with the academic year. The minimum lease length is not provided in the data; you should ask the operator whether the lease is for a full 12 months, 8 months, or another duration. Some student residences offer 8‑month leases aligning with the school year, while others require a 12‑month commitment.
Deposit information is not listed. Ontario’s standard practice is a last‑month rent deposit (equal to one month’s rent), but policies can vary. Inquire about the deposit amount and under what conditions it is refundable.
Booking Timing
With availability starting on 1 September 2026, the typical booking window for September move‑in opens in the preceding winter or spring. Many students secure their housing between February and June. If you are certain you want to live at this property, contacting the operator early – for instance, by March or April 2026 – can give you a better chance of securing a spot, especially if the building has limited units.
Because the property has only 28 Google reviews, it may not be as well known as larger complexes. That could mean less competition, but also less information to base your decision on. Be prepared to ask detailed questions about room assignment, roommate matching (if you are booking as an individual), and the condition of the unit you will be moving into.
If you are an international student arriving later, confirm whether the operator allows late check‑in or early storage of luggage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is 49 Columbia Street from the universities?
The exact distance is not provided, but the address in Waterloo places it within walking distance or a short bus ride to the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University. Many student housing listings in this area are within 1–2 km of campus. You can check Google Maps for precise transit and walking routes.
Are the five bedrooms all the same size?
Typically in a 5‑bedroom unit, bedrooms vary slightly in square footage and closet space. Some may be on the smaller side, while others are larger. Ask the operator for a floor plan or a tour to see the actual room dimensions before signing a lease.
What is included in “bills included”?
Bills included usually cover water, electricity, heating, and internet. Some operators also include cable TV or parking. The specific inclusions and any caps (e.g., a certain amount of electricity per month) should be confirmed in writing. If you exceed a usage limit, you might be charged extra.
Sources & data date
This article is based on data extracted on 2026-07. Prices, availability, and amenities may have changed since then.
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