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Money Matters
Living Off-Campus
When you start your search for a place to live off-campus, you may be overwhelmed by the options and vast differences in the types of accommodation that are available to you. This is why many institutions have student housing offices that provide assistance for students looking for off-campus accommodations. However, be aware that the demand for housing is high in July and August (for September rental placements) since students are preparing to return to school. Make sure you start looking for a comfortable and affordable place to live well before the school year begins.
As you begin searching for an apartment near your institution of choice you may notice that living in certain areas of BC costs more than others. As a general rule, the cost of living is highest in larger cities, in particular Vancouver and Victoria and surrounding areas. The least expensive places to live are the smaller towns of northern Vancouver Island, the Interior, Northern BC and the Kootenays.
To find out more information about the city where you are planning to attend school, follow this link to a description of BC's communities.
The following are brief descriptions of the many types of off-campus accommodations that you may choose from.
Apartments: Apartments are self-contained suites in building complexes and are professionally managed. They are most often unfurnished (appliances provided) and heat is usually included in the rent. Some complexes have extra facilities, such as a laundry room, recreational facilities, underground parking, etc.
Houses, Duplexes and Townhouses: The rent for a house, duplex or townhouse is usually higher than that of an apartment. However, because these units generally have 2 to 5 bedrooms, it may be affordable if you share the costs with one or more other tenants. Utilities are usually extra and the accommodation is unfurnished (appliances provided). If it is a co-op housing unit, your household contributions may include grocery shopping, cooking and cleaning.
Suites: Suites are usually self-contained units (furnished or unfurnished) within a house or duplex. Sometimes you can rent a furnished room in a private home and share the kitchen and bathroom facilities with others living there. Owners sometimes rent room and board (the suite is furnished and meals are provided). Some landlords offer free room and/or board in return for services, such as baby-sitting or light household or garden duties.
Finding a Place to Live Off-Campus
Now that you know what your off-campus housing options are, check out the following resources to help you find a good place to live. Above all, make sure you plan ahead!
The Internet: The following Web sites may help you find off-campus housing. Note that Education Planner is not responsible for the contents or services listed on these sites and are provided for your convenience only.
- homes4students.com
Free listings of accommodations run by students for students.
- rentbc.com
A site that is easy to search for rental housing in BC.
- aptrentals.net
A comprehensive apartment rental guide for Vancouver, Victoria and surrounding areas.
- classifieds.canada.com/vancouver/
If you are looking for accommodations in the Lower Mainland, this site links to both the Vancouver Sun and The Province online classifieds free of charge.
- share.on.ca
Student Housing Accommodations Residential Exchange (SHARE) is a program that arranges a room for you to the town that you're going to attend a post-secondary institution, and then you or your family provides a room in exchange (free of rent expense).
Campus Housing Contacts: Many institutions have student housing offices that provide current lists of off-campus accommodations for rent.
Newspapers: Weekend editions of local papers often have the largest selection of accommodations for rent in their classified section. Take time to go through all of the listings, then call to make appointments to see the places you are interested in.
Vacancy Signs: On the first few days of the month, tour around the area you are interested in living in and look for vacancy or 'for rent' signs on premises.
Word-of-mouth: Talk to other students for leads on accommodations since they may know of a place that might suit you. Perhaps they are looking for a roommate. Ask friends or relatives that live in the area if they have, or know of, any place where you can stay.
Rental Agencies or Organizations: Rental agencies are in the business to help you find a place to rent. Note that some may charge you a fee prior to getting to see their listings and they do not guarantee that they will find you accommodation.
Realtors: Some rentals listings are handled by local realtors.
Questions to Ask Before Signing a Lease or Rental Agreement
Use this checklist to ensure you ask the landlord these important questions before you sign any legal papers.
- How much is the monthly rent?
- Will the rent be increasing soon?
- Do I have to sign a lease or is the tenancy month-to-month? Your tenancy is guaranteed for the length of the lease, which varies from 6 months to 1 year. If you decide to break a lease early, your landlord may charge you a hefty penalty.
- How much is the security/damage deposit? Generally, you have to pay a security/damage deposit of one-half of a month's rent at the time of signing your rental agreement.
- What services and utilities are included in the lease or rent? Clarify with the landlord if utilities such as cable, hydro, heat, hot water, and gas are included or cost extra. Usually gas and hot water heating is included if you rent an apartment, which can cut down your costs quite a bit.
- Are there parking and storage units available and, if so, are they included in the rent?
- Is there a laundry room? Remember that laundry costs add up, especially if you calculate the time it will take if you have to take your laundry to the local laundromat.
Check out the Residential Tenancy Office's web site for information on the Residential Tenancy Act, which regulates the relationship and rights of landlords and tenants.