[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/macshare1.jpg” caption=”The MSU’s Mac SHARE website allows students to review their off-campus housing.”]The McMaster Students Union has launched a new website that will help students make informed decisions about off-campus housing.

The website, called McMaster Student Housing And Rental Evaluation (Mac SHARE), allows students to share their reviews of apartments, student houses and rental rooms with prospective tenants.

“It allows students to gain insight from other students on off-campus housing,” said MSU president Ryan Moran, adding that the website was one of his campaign platforms. “Twenty-one reviews were submitted in the first day.”

Using a scale that ranges from poor to excellent, students can rate a property based on its appearance, proximity to amenities, access to parking and maintenance. The survey also allows students to rate their landlords on the basis of communication, competence and professionalism.

To submit a review, students must provide a valid student number and McMaster e-mail address. All evaluations are anonymous and will be reviewed by the site's web administrator.