Who This Residence Suits Best
Pearson Housing at 40 Homewood Ave in Toronto appeals to students who prioritise a central location and a full set of amenities within a well-established building. Based on its price range of CAD 1,400–1,572 per month (indicative — confirm with the operator) and its location near the University of Toronto campus, this residence works well for:
- Graduate students or upper-year undergraduates who need a stable, longer-term stay. The minimum lease is 3 months, but most tenants seem to remain for years (a resident review mentions living there for more than 5 years).
- Students who value convenience over the lowest possible cost. The building sits steps away from grocery stores (Rabba, Loblaws, No Frills are cited in reviews) and a short walk to the downtown core.
- Tenants who want an indoor swimming pool, a front desk, and a quiet environment with responsive security staff. The reviews consistently highlight these features.
- Those looking for a mix of unit types — the property offers 2‑bedroom, 4‑bedroom, and branded independent house options, giving flexibility for solo renters or groups.
Who Might Look Elsewhere
- Budget‑conscious students will find the monthly rent notably higher than Toronto’s student housing market entry point. (See the Price Positioning section below for details.)
- Students who prefer newer, purpose‑built student residences may not favour a building constructed in 1972. One review refers to it affectionately as the “old girl on the block,” but the age means some fixtures may feel dated.
- Anyone wanting a full‑service en‑suite or studio will need to check the exact unit layouts — the available unit types (2b, 4b, branded independent house) suggest shared bathrooms and kitchens in most configurations.
- Pet owners are not allowed (the listing states “No pets allowed”).
- Smokers are also prohibited.
What Residents Actually Say
The property has a Google rating of 4.1 out of 5 from 103 reviews. Below are three representative extracts (verbatim from the data):
Minara Ahmadi (5/5): “I have lived here for more than 5 years, overall the building is very nice, cool amenity and great front desk. I love my unit and the view. I can say I love this place from the bottom of my heart. You can’t find anywhere else that is more convenient than this location. It’s so easy to buy groceries from Loblaws, No Fri…”
Key takeaway: Long‑term satisfaction, emphasis on location and convenience.
Omer Quenneville (5/5): “As a realtor I can say this building certainly has history and is sometimes referred to as the ‘old girl on the block’ Built in 1972, it has surpassed 50 years. I have sold many units in this building over the years and it continues to be a building with a high demand and low turnover with the latest being young urban…”
Key takeaway: High demand and low tenant turnover — indicating a stable community.
Nicole Kelly (5/5): “Love this place! I have nothing bad to say at all. Security is always super nice and have been very helpful if ever I need the elevator on service or have a question. Neighbours are quiet and kind. I’ve been really happy and enjoy living here a lot. Quiet, but a short walk right into the core. Steps away from Rabba, Su…”
Key takeaway: Quiet atmosphere, helpful staff, and walkable downtown access.
All three reviews are positive, which skews the picture — there are likely critical voices among the 103 reviews, but the data provided does not include them. The consistent themes are: great location, helpful front desk, quiet neighbours, and a sense of community.
Price Positioning vs Toronto’s Student Market
The city of Toronto has a wide range of student accommodation listings. According to the reference data, the city’s from‑price (the lowest available rate across all student housing platforms in Toronto) is CAD 150 per week — roughly CAD 600–650 per month. However, this bottom‑of‑market figure typically represents a shared room in a basic basement apartment or a small private room far from campus.
Pearson Housing’s monthly rent of CAD 1,400–1,572 (indicative — confirm with the operator) positions it well above that entry level. For context:
- A shared room in a purpose‑built student residence near the University of Toronto often ranges from CAD 900–1,300 per month.
- A 1‑bedroom apartment in a central building like 40 Homewood Ave usually costs CAD 1,500–1,800 per month.
- The 2‑bedroom and 4‑bedroom configurations here would split the rent among flatmates — for example, a 2‑bedroom at CAD 1,572 would be roughly CAD 786 per person per month, which is competitive for the location.
So while the absolute rent is high, the per‑person cost in a shared unit can be reasonable. Students renting a whole 4‑bedroom unit could pay CAD 350–393 per person (indicative — confirm with the operator) if the total rent scales similarly. But the data does not specify per‑bedroom pricing, so prospective tenants should calculate based on the exact unit offered.
Room‑Type Guidance
Pearson Housing lists three unit types:
- 2‑bedroom (2b): Suitable for two flatmates. Typically one bathroom, a shared kitchen and living area.
- 4‑bedroom (4b): Shared among four students, often with two bathrooms. Good for groups who already know each other.
- Branded independent house: Likely a self‑contained unit (possibly a small house or townhouse) managed under a brand. This could offer more privacy, but the specific layout is not detailed in the data.
Given the building’s age (1972), unit sizes are generally generous compared to newer micro‑apartments. Floor plans vary, so ask the operator for exact square footage and the number of bathrooms before signing.
Tip for prospective tenants: If you need a private bathroom, clarify with the property manager. Most 2‑bedroom units have one full bathroom, and 4‑bedroom units often have two. The “branded independent house” may include a private bathroom.
Booking Timing Considerations
The listing shows available_from: null — meaning current availability is not published. The tag not_available in the data suggests that the property may not currently have vacancies or is not actively marketing open rooms. However, student housing platforms often display the building as a general listing even when no immediate units are free.
- If you need a room for the 2026–2027 academic year: Start checking in late 2025. For September 2026 move‑ins, the best window is January to April 2026.
- If you need a short‑term stay (3 months): Contact the operator directly to ask about upcoming lease ends. Tenants often give 60 days’ notice, so availability can open up at any time.
- Because of low turnover (as noted in a review), rooms in this building fill quickly. Do not wait until the last month before your intended move‑in date.
Frequently Asked Questions
H3: Does the rent include utilities and internet?
The data does not specify whether utilities, internet, or other fees are included. Typically, older apartment buildings in Toronto charge rent plus separate hydro, water, and heat (unless heat/hot water is included). Ask the operator for a full breakdown of what the monthly CAD 1,400–1,572 covers.
H3: Is the building close to the University of Toronto?
Yes. The address is 40 Homewood Avenue, Toronto, ON M4Y 2K2. It is within walking distance (under 15 minutes) to the St. George campus. Reviews mention that the location is central and that groceries and restaurants are steps away.
H3: What is the cancellation policy if I need to break the lease?
This information is not provided in the data. Standard practice in Toronto for a 3‑month minimum lease is that you are liable for the full lease term unless a re‑rental clause exists. Confirm directly with the property manager before signing.
Sources & data date
This article is based on data sourced from the Amber platform for the property “Pearson Housing 40 Homewood Ave” (ID amber-928927). Prices, availability, reviews, and building attributes were current as of the data snapshot dated 2026–07. All prices are indicative — confirm with the operator before making any financial commitment.
For live availability, current room offers, and lease terms, use the on‑site assistant to speak with a housing advisor.
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