Prepare documents and questions before requesting RESP withdrawals for school.
Once the beneficiary is enrolled in a qualifying post-secondary program, rent and utilities near school can be reasonable EAP expenses because they help the student attend school.
EAPs include grants and growth and are generally taxable to the student, while subscriber contribution withdrawals are handled differently.
Ask the promoter whether it treats this lease as reasonable, what proof it needs, and keep the lease, payment records, and EAP-versus-contribution breakdown.
How to check this rule
Details that matter
Enrolment comes first
EAPs generally require eligible post-secondary enrolment and proof of enrolment.
Near-school housing
Rent tied to attending school is easier to support than housing disconnected from study.
Ask before withdrawing
Promoters may be more restrictive than the CRA examples, so confirm the process first.
Example
Example: A student rents a room near campus for the fall term. The family confirms enrolment, asks the promoter what tenancy proof it needs, and keeps the lease plus rent receipts with the EAP breakdown.
Questions to ask your provider
Would you treat this rent as a reasonable EAP expense?
What proof of enrolment and tenancy do you require?
Should rent come from EAPs, contribution withdrawals, or a mix in the first term?
Is there a monthly amount you would question without additional review?
Read next
Withdraw RESP money explains the broader decision and links to related tools.