FAQ Testimonials

Skrtich Living understands the essential role that accommodation plays in the student experience. Our mission is to provide a hassle-free, secure and all-inclusive living environment so that each student can focus on what matters. Skrtich Living residences redefine the student living experience - we are a leader in Niagara's off-campus housing; defining student living through unique accomodations.  As a company we are committed to passionate service, integrity, quality, respect for people, growth, innovation, insight and above all a commitment to excellence. We aim to deliver the greatest possible quality and value to all of our residents. Standing out from the crowd, Skrtich Living will work hard to ensure our accommodations complete a great student experience.

Most Skrtich Living residences are found in or on the outskirts of Thorold's downtown. Unbeknown to many students from out of town - Brock University is found on Thorold's townline road, therefore closer to the University than most St. Catharine's off-campus alternatives! Thorold's downtown is built for smart living. A walkable, chique, culturally fun, and innovative downtown to perfect your student experience. Thorold's downtown is home to over 200 likeminded students and young professionals. We believe Thorold will become an economic powerhouse in the future Niagara Region. We believe a forward thinking downtown promotes vision and growth to all its residents.

Our buildings are secure by design and incorporate 24/7 video surveillance for your safety, comfort, and peace of mind. Smoke alarms are tested on a regular basis and our larger buildings are monitored by a third party fire monitoring company. Keyed entries to each residence as well as each bedroom suite adds to the students' privacy, safety, and security in their new home. We have ensured that all our rooms have double-insulated walls to allow you to work or study in peace.

Skrtich Living is focused on making the leasing process as simple, eco-friendly, and straight forward as possible. Live out of town? No problem. A leasing agent will email you a copy of our lease for you to review, fill out, sign, and email back. Students applying for accommodations will only be guaranteed their suite once Skrtich Living has received first and last months rent and the fully signed lease.

Skrtich Living is proud to offer individual contracts, with no liabilty for your housemates. This is a significant advantage over the joint leases used by other landlords where each resident is liable for the rent of all residents in the unit. Heading home for the Summer? Not a problem! Skrtich residents are welcome to sublet their room for the Summer months (upon a approval from the rental office). 

The payment of first and last months rent is required in order to secure your booking. Rooms are rented on a first come, first serve basis. Skrtich Living will accept this payment by transfer to our payee name, TenantPay. The resident and/or parents may set up TenantPay as a payee through their bank. Your leasing agent will issue you a secure TenantPay account number with which you can transfer first and last as well as your monthly rent once moved in. Are you an international student? TenantPay has partnered with Western Union to make your payments easy and convenient! For more information about TenantPay visit www.tenantpay.com.

At Skrtich Living, we're always on duty. We are a reputable property management company with staff experienced and skilled in addressing all of your student needs. Our local office is supported by a large network of leasing, trades, and maintenance personnel.

Because our student properties are maintained to a high standard, the likelihood of any problems during your time with us is minimized. Inevitably, despite our efforts, maintenance issues do arise from time to time. You can be confident that you will be able to contact us 24/7 to report anything that needs attention through our web repair portal on the Skrtich Living website. Our web repair portal allows students to log a fault any time, day or night.  Your repair request will be logged and a member of our maintenance team will aim to resolve the issue as soon as possible.  For anything we can’t fix ourselves, we use only trusted contractors who go through a vigorous approval process. Comfort and life safety issues are given immediate attention.

All rooms include a bed, closet or dresser and mini fridge. Some rooms are equipped with a desk, night table and more. Confirm with the leasing agent on what furnishings your suite comes with. Each ensuited room includes your own private bathroom. Most rooms are fitted with window coverings. Most of our properties are comfortably furnished in the common areas including a flat screen TV and kitchens are equipped with basic cooking equipment* (stove, refrigerator, microwave*, dishwashers*). You need to bring your own linen for your bed but we will provide you with a freshly laundered mattress protector. Coin-operated laundry facilities are found in each Skrtich Living residence. The student will need to bring the rest: cookware, cutlery, linen, pillows, duvets and towels should all be on the list. *Select locations

Skrtich Living is always expanding our portfolio of properties. Make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram or simply check out our website from time to time to see new residences coming soon. Please note that residents of brand new residences may expect some disruptions and construction after moving in for a short period of time.

Each resident will be welcomed to their new home with a freshly cleaned bedroom suite.  Keys are available for pick-up and return at the Skrtich Living office - REAR- 40 Front Street South, Thorold, ON L2V 1W9 - between 9AM-5:30PM Monday-Friday. Unable to make it between those times? No worries - simply contact your leasing agent to make alternate arrangements. Leases begin and end at noon on the first and last day of the lease agreement. You must leave your residence clean and clear all of your personal belongings by noon on the last day of your lease. This is to ensure our staff has time to inspect your room after you've moved out.

All Skrtich Living residences are located within 5KM of Brock University and a 6-10 minute drive from Brock University and both Niagara College campuses. The Niagara Region is home to efficient public transport. Please visit www.yourbus.com for information on bus routes from your residence. Residents of downtown Thorold benefit from three direct buses to Brock University; passing every 30 minutes.

Each Skrtich Living residence is built with resilient channeling making our residences at least 80% sound proof! This material stops the vibrations of sound travelling through the walls. For all residents comfort and safety, Skrtich Living requires residents to abide by our very reasonable house rules such as: no smoking, no cooking past midnight, and maintaining ordinary cleanliness of the common areas. Feel free to hang photos, posters, etc to make your room your own!

Living with a roommate can be tough, especially if you're not getting along. Since you'll be living together for at least the rest of the semester, it's important to try and fix any issues before they get worse. Here are some tips:

1. Look at Your Own Actions: It's easy to blame your roommate, but you might also be doing things that annoy them. Try to think about how you’re contributing to the tension. If your roommate is a stranger, it might just be that you don’t know each other well yet. Give them a chance — maybe they’re just shy or homesick. You don’t have to be friends, but getting along will make things easier for both of you.

2. Prevent Conflicts Before They Start: Arguments are bound to happen when you live with someone. Just like you probably had disagreements with family members, it’s normal with roommates too. Think about how you can avoid problems and how you can do your part to keep things peaceful.

3. Spend Less Time in the Apartment: Sometimes, too much time together can cause friction. If you’re feeling annoyed, it might help to spend more time outside of the apartment. Hang out with friends, join college activities, or do some volunteering to give each other space.

4. Talk About What’s Bothering You: If something’s bugging you, don’t expect your roommate to guess what it is, and definitely avoid leaving passive-aggressive notes. Sit down and have an open conversation. Start by asking if you’re doing anything that bothers them, then share what’s on your mind. Work together to come up with solutions. You’ll probably find that talking things out goes better than you expect.

5. Talk to Someone Else: If there are small annoyances you don’t want to bring up, or if you’re stressed and overreacting, venting to a friend or counselor might help. Sometimes just talking about it can give you relief and ideas on how to handle things.

6. Reach Out to Your Property Manager: Your Skrtich Living Property Manager is here to assist you when and where ever they can. While your Property Manager cannot force someone to behaviour differently, they can offer some assistance if house rules are being purposely violated by speaking with the offending party. Sometimes your Property Manager can issue a formal 'warning letter' if the nature of the complaint is severe and warrants such. 

7. Last Option -- Relocating: The last option should be relocating to a different suite because you and your roommate do not get along. We say 'last option' because there is no guarantee that everything will be 'perfect' with a new roommate. Also, relocating comes with a relocation fee payable to Skrtich Living, by you, for the added administration cost, cleaning and listing of your old room. The relocation fee is only waived for exceptional circumstances. A common argument we get regarding relocation is "Why do I have to move, I am not the problem?!"... and the short answer to this is Skrtich Living cannot force someone, by law, to move out of the premises. There is a process that must be followed to remove a party from a rental unit and it can take 8-12 months for a decision via Tribunals Ontario (or The Landlord & Tenant Board). At the Tribunal, the Judge will hear both sides of the dispute and make a decision on who goes or what will happen. So, in short, you may have to be the "bigger person" and remove yourself from the environment by relocating. 

 

When can I schedule a viewing?
Viewings are scheduled Monday-Friday during regular business hours by APPOINTMENT ONLY.  We also offer everning/weekend viewings by APPOINTMENT ONLY, dependent on Agent availability. We stress by appointment only as we MUST provide existing tenants, by law, 24-hours notice of entry, if we are showing an occupied suite. Therefore, regrettably, in most cases, we cannot offer 'walk-in' or same-day viewings.

Can I secure a room without a viewing?
Yes. Simply call or email your leasing agent - they will send you the lease and provide you with a TenantPay number to make your payment of first and last.

Is it possible to share a room at Skrtich Living?
Our bedroom suites are single occupancy to avoid overcrowding. You are allowed to have guests stay overnight as long as their stay doesn't exceed two nights - if so you must inform your Skrtich Living prior to their stay. The only person entitled to occupy your room is you. We can arrange for two people to take two bedrooms in one house, or houses close to each other, depending on availability.

How many students live at Skrtich Living?
Over 300 students and working professionals live in Skrtich Living residences and apartment buildings.

Who will I be living with?
As a Skrtich Living resident you will be living in a friendly environment with other students and professionals who have all undertaken the same application and approvals process. All residences are mixed genders.

Are your residences suitable for post-graduates?
Yes, it's perfect. We welcome postgraduates and working professionals at our residences and it goes without saying you'll enjoy the space to study in our spacious suites and still be part of the student scene.

Is there a curfew?
There is no curfew at Skrtich Living, however, we do operate a 'quiet hours' policy between 10:00pm and 7:00am.

What happens if I lose my key or get locked out of my room?
You will need to pay $25+ for a new key(s). Should you need us to unlock your room you will have one free unlock between 9AM-5PM on business days. Thereafter, a $20 lockout fee will be charged if the lockout is between 9AM-5PM (after 5PM the rate is $100+ with no grace period). Premium rates apply on long-weekends and holidays. Lockout fees are due upon services rendered.

Will my rent include tenant's insurance?
NO, tenant's insurance is not provided by Skrtich Living. Skrtich Living accepts no responsibility for lost/stolen/damaged personal belongings during your stay in the house. We encourage all tenants to arrange for their own personal contents insurance.

Can I bring my own furniture?
Skrtich Living provides fully furnished accommodations from common areas to room suites.  You are welcome to bring furniture for your room as long as it can fit amongst the furniture we provide. You may not store excess furniture in the common areas or halls as this is a fire hazard.

Can I switch rooms or relocate during my tenancy?

Yes you may. However a $350.00+ transfer fee will apply. This is only waived if you are relocating due to unforeseen circumstances.

What if I must terminate my lease early?

You are obligated under Ontario law to honour your lease term. If for any reason you must vacate sooner, you must request this in writing to Skrtich Living with two full months notice. Early lease termination fees will apply.

Can I smoke in my residence?
No, we operate a strict no-smoking policy at all of our residences.

What WIFI/Internet service is offered?

Skrtich Living offers free complimentary WIFI/internet in all units. This is a free service and not in anyway part of the lawful rent. If complimentary service does not meet a tenants needs or expectations, the tenant is welcomed to have additional third-party services installed in their rental space at their expense. Skrtich Living will not compensate tenants who elect to proceed with other services or equipment (such as wifi boosters).

Is parking available?

Parking is available at select properties and based on availability. Permit and monthly parking fees may apply. Vehicles parking on our properties and not registered with the rental office will be towed at vehicle owners risk and expense.

Do you allow pets?
We do not generally allow pets in our shared residence. Some exceptions apply. Please speak to your Leasing Specialist or Property Manager for more insight on our pet policies. 

What is Skrtich Living's "green" policy?
At Skrtich Living, we are focused on sustainability and committed to reducing waste and energy use. All materials selected for the interior of our buildings have been chosen for their long life, low maintenance and low energy use. In addition, we provide recycling receptacles to make sure all residents and staff do their bit to keep our residences environmentally friendly. We aim to re-use as many items as we can, and recycle as much as possible. We encourage residents to be mindful of their energy use and commit to recycling as much as possible. We also encourage the donation of used or unwanted clothing, shoes, household goods and bedding; extending the lives of these items.

Are the rental rates and/or terms of leasing negotiable?

No.

Do you have other rentals available that are not rooms or student housing?

Yes we do! Visit our sister company Kika Living at www.kikaliving.ca.

We hope this page has provided you with all the information you require as you, or your son/daughter begin their academic career. The information contained on this page aims to ease away any worries you may have. However, if you should have any further questions then please do not hesitate to contact your leasing agent.

We at Skrtich Living want you or your son/daughter to enjoy their independence. We also want to ensure that you know we will provide a supportive, safe living environment as well as a brilliant living experience that will help prepare our residents for life beyond university and college.

"I have been renting from Skrtich Living for the past 5 years. Not once have I been disappointed. Not once have there been any unresolved requests. Amazing staff in the office. Got to meet the big boss Michael Skrtich once as well; such great person with great visions that supports sports teams in the region and some athletes in the region and does it from heart. So, therefore, his company operates in the same manner, from the heart. Skrtich Living all the way!!!"

Vlad K.

 

"My experience with Skrtich living has been wonderful. The application process was easy & painless. The staff here at Skrtich living have always been responsive, very friendly & professional. The units are very clean & the rooms are very spacious. I am very comfortable living here."

Charlene W.

 

"Skrtich has a policy of ensuring everyone is comfortable.  They have a quick response time for any repairs or any issues needing to be addressed.  Quality staff and safe, quality residences!"

Paula Z.

 

"I have been with Skrtich Living since September 2017. I have had nothing but a positive experience. In the event there is a maintenance matter, Skrtich Living is quick to respond. Brandon and Jen in the rental office are very pleasant to deal with and are very helpful"

Ahmed M.

 

"Skrtich Living has fantastic accommodations for off-campus living. Some buildings are very basic while other buildings offer many more amenities such as a gym, study lounge and BBQ areas. Skrtich has something for every budget which is why I have recommended many friends to live here while attending Brock University"

Danielle S.

 

"Moving away for school is a big deal and trying to find the right place to live is even harder. When looking for places to rent near the school I came across Skrtich Living. Not only is the place I am renting wonderful, but the staff you deal with are also great too! When you have any questions or concerns are quick to respond and always answer effectively. They always treat you with respect and are always friendly. This helped me a lot when moving in as I had questions frequently and knew that I could ask, and receive a prompt and helpful response. Another thing that has been very helpful while staying with Skrtich is that there are never any surprises. Whenever there is planned maintenance to be done, you will receive a notification prior, so you can plan your schedule around these events. Living with Skrtich is second to none. As a student, the number one priority is wi-fi. While staying with Skrtich, the wi-fi has been outstanding and has not had any problems at all. Also, moving into a fully furnished room is not only enjoyable but also saves a lot of money. The bed is very comfortable and the room is quite large. The best part is that you have your own bathroom which is very convenient! The living room and kitchen have all you need and have a nice homey feel to it. Staying with Skrtich has been an easy transition and I would recommend to anyone. With the help from the staff, the move is easy and renting here feels just like you are at home."

Lemuel C.

 

"My experience at Skrtich Living, 29 Pine Street South Student Residence has been nothing less than stellar. The building is new, clean and maintained very well. The gym is great as is the study lounge. My room is very spacious, bright and having my own full bathroom is a huge bonus. The staff at the rental office are awesome; quick to respond to any questions or concerns. I would definitely recommend Skrtich Living to new and existing students of Brock University and Niagara College."

Matt F.

 

"I love my room at Skrtich Living. It is a good size and I have my own bathroom, complete with a tub. At my building, there is a rooftop patio to use with a fantastic view. The people in the office are always quick to assist when needed."

Stephanie C.

 

"I will continue to recommend Skrtich Living to my friends looking for student housing. Skrtich has rooms for every budget; basic rooms that have everything you need to get by or more lavish rooms with upscale furniture and more amenities. Regardless of what room you select, they are all clean and well-maintained"

Pardeep S.

 

"Jessica, our Property Manager, was a pleasure do work with during my stay at 21 Front St S from September 2022 to June 2024. She always went above and beyond for me. The building was clean, quiet and had everything a student would need for off-campus living. I highly recommend Skrtich Living to any post-secondary student going to Brock University for studies"

Markus J.

 

"The environment at Skrtich Living is very impressive. It has everything that a student going to Brock University would need. All bedrooms have a huge private en-suite bathroom which is a plus! Grocery stores, restuarants and night life are all at your door step. I stayed here for three years and have no complaints. The management was great."

Sam M.