Blanche Macdonald Centre’s Housing Guide
Vancouver is an amazing place to call home. It is a beautiful, desirable, safe city with a high quality of life–and the local rental market reflects these factors. Be prepared that rent can be high relative to many other cities, and that the rental market is competitive. But don’t worry! You are not alone, and help is at hand.
First, remember to remain calm. All of our students successfully find accommodation, usually in the weeks and days before they start school. Take the process step by step, and try not to get overwhelmed. Not sure where to start? We recommend that you take these two steps before you begin your housing search:
STEP 1
Read through this Housing Guide page for tips on finding and selecting accommodation, living in Vancouver, choosing a neighbourhood, navigating the city, and more. We also advise reading the Tenant Survival Guide compiled by TRAC (Tenant Resource & Activity Centre)
STEP 2
Email our Housing Advisors at [email protected] and ask to join Housing Help, our private Facebook group, where you will find a selection of housing ads and posts from other students looking for roommates or shared accommodation.
OUR HOUSING ADVISORS
Our part-time Housing Advisors can provide resources to support you in your search for accommodation. Although they are happy to help however they can, it is the responsibility of the student to find and secure their own housing.
Our Housing Advisors are here to provide resource information and support:
- we are happy to help you join our related housing social media groups so that you are able to connect with other students to find shared housing or to share resources
- we are happy to give you insight on the rental situation in Vancouver, good neighbourhoods which offer easy transit, budget options etc.
- we are happy to notify you of any potential housing opportunities that we become aware of
- we are happy to answer questions and assist you within office hours
Finding housing is such an important and personal endeavour. It is part of your college experience to take on this responsibility and to do the research and investigation to find the housing or roommates that best suit your needs.
- it is your responsibility to carry out searches and to do the research to view rental ads, related websites and to secure your own accomodation
- it is your responsibility to directly communicate with landlords, discuss rental agreements, to negotiate and sign your own rental leases and to handle any disputes or conflict resolution
- it is your responsibility to communicate and mediate with potential roommates
If you are having trouble in your housing search, or have specific questions about housing, contact our Housing Advisors at [email protected].
Your Housing Search: Resources
Here are some useful tips and resources to assist you in finding and securing housing.
The resource information provided is for your general information and is subject to change without notice. Any companies listed are provided as resource support. We are not endorsing any of these third party organizations. It is your responsibility to do the research to ensure that any rental company, homestay organization or housing resource meets your satisfaction and needs.
When and Where to Search
The first step to finding accommodation is to identify the best housing type and location according to your allocated budget.
Top Tip: Don’t start the search too early–and don’t panic if you don’t have housing in the month before your start date, as this is often the best time to find rentals. But do start researching ahead of time to understand the market.
Many students attempt to start their housing search far too early. For instance, if you want to start your rental on September 1st, it will be very difficult to find housing in February or March. Since most rental agreements only require a month’s notice, many long-term rentals only go on the market a month or a few weeks before the move-in date (usually the 1st day of the next month, though sometimes it is the 15th of the same or the next month). So, if you are searching for a rental with a move-in date of September 1st, that apartment or room will often only be advertised around or after August 1st. Therefore, the best time to start searching for that September 1st rental is the end of July and first weeks of August.
But it’s never too early to start researching! It's always a good idea to start looking at ads early so that you can gain an understanding of what's out there, how ads look, how the market is working, what the general going rate of their ideal accommodations are, neighbourhood costs, etc. This will help you become more informed, budget appropriately, and be realistic about expectations.
If you need a short-term rental (see above) when you first arrive in Vancouver, these can usually be booked several months in advance, but tend to come with a higher price-tag than long-term rentals.
Be prepared that rent in Vancouver can be high, and will cost a good portion of your monthly budget. Rents can vary substantially depending on the location and condition of the housing, so please note that these are only general guidelines for costs per month:
- Shared housing (ie renting a room in a house or living with roommates): $750+
- Studio or Bachelor: $900-1600+
- One bedroom: $1100-$2400+
- Two bedroom: $1200-$3200+
- Three bedroom: $2200+
Please note that additional costs might include:
- Utilities (heat, water, electricity, internet, cable)
- Security deposit (one-time)
- Pet deposit (usually one-time)
- Furnishings and decoration
- Food, laundry and entertainment
- Tenant's insurance
- Transportation - transit pass, bike and/or vehicle costs, including parking, insurance and fuel
Long-Term Rentals: Private or Shared Rooms and Apartments
Long-term Rentals are usually the best option financially. They often require a commitment of at least six months to one year. Once a one-year lease is complete, your lease may go to month-to-month, but often landlords do prefer or even require you to sign another year-long lease.
If, at the end of the lease term, you wish to change to a month-by-month rental, don’t be afraid to negotiate with your landlord. At that point you will have already built a relationship/rapport with your landlord and have proven your commitment to the property and lease, so they may be more than willing to compromise.
There are many search engines and classified ad listing sites where you can search for housing. Here are some of the most popular ones:
- Craisglist - the most popular and widely-used classifieds site
- Kijiji - fewer listings than Craigslist but still worth checking out
- Padmapper - this site compiles listings from other sites on a convenient map, but please be aware that many rentals are short-term and can be expensive
Another option to investigate is searching for a room in a shared home. This can be with fellow Blanche Macdonald students that you connect with through the Housing Help Facebook page, or an already-established home looking for a roommate, which you can also find through the above sites.
Short-term Rentals and Furnished Suites
Short-term rentals can vary from daily to weekly or monthly. They don’t necessarily require a specific time commitment, but can be more expensive than long-term rentals.
If you are moving to Vancouver from out of town, it is often useful to book a short-term rental for a few weeks or months while you settle in, open any necessary accounts, collect references, and conduct your accommodation search. That way you can be in town to check out neighbourhoods, meet face-to-face with prospective landlords, sign leases, etc, while having a temporary home base to work from.
Furnished suites are a convenient option for shorter stays, and many include some services, such as cleaning and utilities. Make sure you confirm what services and supplies are included before you make your decision.
Here are some resources for short-term housing and furnished suites:
- GEC - Global Education City Student Residences are student-geared residences across Metro Vancouver offering furnished private and shared apartments and suites which can be rented for a week, month or longer. Each apartment has a shared living area, kitchen, bathroom, in-suite laundry and WiFi, and some locations have fitness centres.
- YWCA is a non-profit organization offering private and shared furnished rooms in downtown Vancouver.
- AirBnB (airbnb.com) and HomeAway both offer a wide range of rooms and apartments, often used as holiday homes or short-term rentals for students and professionals.
- Vanmates Homestay and Rooms offer a mix of Homestay options and private rooms in shared accommodation.
- Liv Rent is a rental portal and app that allows you to search for properties, find out information and book viewings for short-term and longer term rentals throughout Metro Vancouver.
Homestays are a great option for students looking for a family environment, and are particularly recommended for International Students who want to immerse themselves in Canadian culture and improve their English language skills. Homestays place you in a home with a Canadian family who provide you with a room and, in many cases, meals. Many students choose the Homestay option because of the extra safety factor, since they are pre-screened by an agency, given a criminal record check, have home inspections, and offer secure transactions. Some also offer an airport pick-up.
Here are some Homestay resources:
One of the best ways to find accommodation is to take a walk around your desired neighbourhood(s) and look for vacancy signs. Because of the competitive rental market, many landlords (especially those who aren’t tech-savvy) prefer to post a Vacancy Sign outside of their home or building. Walking around is sometimes the best–and only–way to find rentals that would otherwise be snapped up online! Be the first to know and enquire about these spots. It’s a great way to get a feel for neighbourhoods too. Bring your phone and references, and be ready to give a great first impression.
Deciding Where to Live
When you are deciding where to live, it is important to consider the following factors:
- Living costs/budget
- Transportation options
- Safety
- Area amenities
- Neighbourhood character
Location, location, location!
When choosing a home, the two main factors to consider are budget and location. Blanche Macdonald’s three campuses are all located in central Vancouver, easily accessible by bus, Skytrain, walking and cycling routes. How you will be getting to school? Will you be taking the bus or Skytrain? Do you prefer to cycle or walk? How long are you willing to commute each day? Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- Is the location in walking distance to transit?
- Will you need to take more than one mode of transportation?
- How frequent is the bus, train or other mode of transportation?
- Is it worth it to you to pay cheaper rent if it means having a longer commute?
- Is your chosen neighbourhood safe? Are there noise or safety issues?
- Do you mind biking or walking to school or to shops/restaurants during poor weather, or is it worth the extra expense to live more centrally? Remember, Vancouver is often rainy outside of summer months, and can get cold in the winter months.
- Do you prefer cooking or dining out? Do you have access to a kitchen and cooking supplies, and/or have easy access restaurants and grocery stores?
To find out more about Vancouver’s transit system and costs visit the Translink Website at https://www.translink.ca/.
Price Point Guide
Prices in these areas vary greatly, even within individual neighbourhoods, according to location, distance to transit and shops, and the condition of the accommodation. To give you a rough idea, we have estimated price points for each neighbourhood.
$ - more affordable neighbourhoods
$$ - mid-range neighbourhoods
$$$ - affluent/exclusive neighbourhoods; expect rent to be at the top end of the range
Below are some of the most popular and convenient neighbourhoods in Vancouver for our students.
DOWNTOWN
DOWNTOWN CORE (including GASTOWN, CHINATOWN & COAL HARBOUR)
Character: Vibrant, bustling and busy, downtown Vancouver is the cultural and financial hub of the city, with great shopping and dining options, and busy nightlife. On the Northeast side of downtown is historic Gastown, home to high end restaurants and shops, and Chinatown, the historic home of the Chinese community, while to the northwest is Coal Harbour, an upscale neighbourhood on the water.
Distance to Campuses: A great option for students at the Atelier and Robson campuses, which can be reached by walking, cycling or a short bus or train ride from all areas of downtown Vancouver. The City Square Campus can be easily reached by several bus routes and the Canada Line (approx 15-25 mins).
Suitability: If you like a busier, livelier urban neighbourhood comprised mostly of apartments and high rises, this is a great option, but bear in mind it can be expensive!
Stations: Vancouver City Centre, Granville, Waterfront, Burrard, Stadium/Chinatown
Price Point: $$$
WEST END / DAVIE VILLAGE
Character: The diverse and dynamic West End is home to a wide array of restaurants, convenient grocery and specialty stores, and is the proud home of much of Vancouver’s LGBTQ Community. English Bay Beach and Stanley Park are easily accessible.
Distance to Campuses: Atelier and Robson are within walking or cycling distance, or a short bus ride; City Square is accessible by bus, train or bike (approx 30 mins).
Suitability: If you are looking for a diverse and vibrant neighbourhood with all the conveniences and easy access to nature, this is a great neighbourhood for you. Residences are mostly in apartment blocks (some heritage), with some houses.
Price Point: $$-$$$
YALETOWN
Character: An upscale downtown neighbourhood, with lots of high end restaurants and bars and a vibrant nightlife, and easy access to the seawall and waterfront parks.
Distance to Campuses: A short walk or cycle to the Robson and Atelier campuses, and a short bus or Canada Line ride to the City Square campus (approx 15-25 mins).
Suitability: Great for those who would like to live in a bustling, vibrant neighbourhood close to the water, although note that this is one of the most expensive neighbourhoods in Vancouver. Residences are mostly apartment blocks and high rises.
Station: Yaletown-Roundhouse
Price Point: $$$
VANCOUVER WESTSIDE
FAIRVIEW
Character: A mix of families, diverse communities and businesses, Fairview is central and convenient with great dining and shopping options. The neighbourhood extends on either side of Broadway, one of the main thoroughfares of Vancouver, between Kitsilano to the west and Mount Pleasant to the east.
Distance to Campuses: City Square, located in the Fairview neighbourhood, is easily reached by walking or cycling, while our Robson and Atelier campuses are a short bus, train ride or cycle (approx 15-25 mins) away.
Suitability: If you are looking for a busy neighbourhood with lots of convenience, good transit connections and plenty of shopping and dining options, Fairview is an excellent choice, particularly for City Square Students. Residences are a mix of modern and traditional apartments and houses.
Stations: Broadway City Hall
Price Point: $$-$$$
SOUTH CAMBIE / CAMBIE VILLAGE
Character: A leafy residential area with a real neighbourhood feel, this area features tree-lined streets with houses and low-rise apartment blocks, and a cluster of independent shops, restaurants, coffeehouses and a cinema.
Distance to Campuses: A great choice for City Square students, since Cambie Village is within a 10-minute walk. Robson and Atelier campuses are a short skytrain or bus ride (approx 15-20 mins) away.
Suitability: Well placed for City Square students, this area is perfect for students seeking a quiet spot with a neighbourhood feel that is conveniently located.
Stations: King Edward
Price Point: $$-$$$
OLYMPIC VILLAGE
Character: A contemporary neighbourhood that was revitalized for the 2010 Winter Olympics, this area was used as the athletes’ village, and is now a busy and vibrant area on False Creek with plenty of amenities and dining options.
Distance to Campuses: Located a short train, bus ride or cycle (approx 15-25 mins), or a moderate walk (approx 25-30 mins), to all campuses
Suitability: If you are looking for a modern neighbourhood on the water that is centrally located and close to all conveniences, this is a great option. Homes are mostly in contemporary apartment buildings and tend to be on the expensive side.
Stations: Olympic Village
Price Point: $$$
OAKRIDGE
Character: A diverse neighbourhood with good travel connections, located near Oakridge Shopping Centre, an upscale mall, and easy access to the Oakridge Canada Line station.
Distance to Campuses: A short train ride or bus ride to City Square (approx 10-20 mins) or downtown (approx 20-30 mins).
Suitability: For those seeking a quieter, more residential family neighbourhood with a mix of apartments and suites in houses, close to all the conveniences and located on the Canada Line to both campuses, this is a good option.
Stations: Oakridge
Price Point: $$-$$$
SOUTH GRANVILLE
Character: An upscale neighbourhood with great shopping along South Granville, good bus connections, a nice community feel and quiet, leafy sidestreets.
Distance to Campuses: City Square is a moderate walk (approx 25 mins) or short bus ride (approx 15-20 mins) away, while the Robson and Atelier campuses are within a short bus ride (approx 20 mins).
Suitability: Great for those seeking a quiet, affluent yet convenient neighbourhood. Homes are located in mostly low-rise apartments, with some houses and heritage buildings.
Price Point: $$-$$$
KITSILANO / WEST POINT GREY
Character: A leafy, trendy neighbourhood with great shopping along 4th Avenue, easy access to Kits Beach and the seawall, and lots of dining options, as well as the convenience of Broadway. Kitsilano was once Vancouver’s hippie neighbourhood, and is now famous as the birthplace of Lululemon. West Point Grey is an affluent area on the west side, and popular with families.
Distance to Campuses: All campuses are easily accessible by bus (20-40 mins).
Suitability: If you are looking for a pretty, peaceful area with a neighbourhood feel, lots of conveniences, and easy access to the beach, this is a great option. Homes are a mix of houses and apartments.
Price Point: $$-$$$
KERRISDALE / DUNBAR / ARBUTUS RIDGE
Character: Leafy, quiet, affluent residential neighbourhoods on Vancouver’s west side, these areas are very popular with families and older populations.
Distance to Campuses: Expect a 30-45 minute bus ride to any of the Blanche Macdonald campuses. Unfortunately these areas are not directly accessible by skytrain.
Suitability: Great for those seeking a clean, quiet residential neighbourhood. Residences are mostly in family homes with basement suites, private rooms or laneway houses, and condos. Many are near conveniences such as shops, restaurants and cafes that tend to close early.
Price Point: $$-$$$
MARPOLE / MARINE GATEWAY
Character: These are residential neighbourhoods on Vancouver’s southern border. Marpole is a diverse, leafy, quiet area very popular with families. Marine Gateway is a newly developed neighbourhood of high-rise apartments located on the Canada Line.
Distance to Campuses: Expect a 30-45 minute bus ride from Marpole. If the accommodation is located near Marine Gateway station, expect a 10-minute ride to the City Square campus and 15-minute ride to the Robson and Atelier campuses.
Suitability: Great for those seeking a quiet neighbourhood close to all conveniences. Homes in Marpole are in mostly in family houses with basement suites, private rooms or laneway houses, while the Marine Gateway neighbourhood has a mix of low- and high-rise apartments, townhouses and suites in homes.
Stations: Marine Gateway
Price Point: $-$$
VANCOUVER EASTSIDE
MOUNT PLEASANT / RILEY PARK
Character: Trendy, youthful and vibrant neighbourhood centred around Main Street, recognized as one of Canada’s coolest streets, with independent shops, great restaurants and cafes. Popular with students, young people and young families.
Distance to Campuses: A moderate walk (10-30 mins) or short bus ride to City Square, and an easy bus or train ride (15-25 minutes) to our Robson and Atelier campuses.
Suitability: Great for those seeking a real neighbourhood feel in a hip area that is close to all conveniences. Homes are in mostly low-rise apartments, townhouses and suites in homes (some heritage).
Stations: Broadway City Hall, Main Street-Science World
Price Point: $$-$$$
COMMERCIAL DRIVE / GRANDVIEW-WOODLAND
Character: Vibrant, lively neighbourhood with a diverse community of young people and families. Commercial Drive was once “Little Italy” and is now also home to many other cultural communities.
Distance to Campuses: All three campuses can be reached in about 20-40 minutes by skytrain and/or buses including the 99 B-Line.
Suitability: Great for those seeking a vibrant neighbourhood with all the conveniences, though note the area right around Commercial-Broadway station can be a little edgy.
Stations: Commercial-Broadway, VCC-Clark
Price Point: $-$$
HASTINGS-SUNRISE
Character: Vibrant, up-and-coming neighbourhood centred around East Hastings, with independent shops, restaurants and cafes.
Distance to Campuses: Easily accessible to the Robson and Atelier Campuses - expect a 20-30 minute bus ride, and slightly longer to the City Square Campus.
Suitability: Great for those seeking a slightly edgier, up-and-coming neighbourhood feel close to all conveniences. Homes are in mostly low-rise apartments, townhouses and suites in homes. Note that the stretch of Hastings between Cambie Street and Commercial Drive is part of the Downtown Eastside / Strathcona area and is not recommended for students.
Price Point: $-$$
KENSINGTON-CEDAR COTTAGE / FRASERHOOD
Character: A diverse mix of families and young people, with many shops, restaurants and cafes located along the up-and-coming Fraser Street.
Distance to Campuses: Expect a 30-45 minute bus journey to all three of our campuses. By Skytrain the Robson and Atelier campuses are about a 20-minute ride from Nanaimo Station, located at the eastern border of this neighbourhood.
Suitability: Excellent for those seeking a lower-budget neighbourhood that has a mix of trendy areas and more family-oriented, residential areas, as well as most conveniences.
Station: Nanaimo
Price Point: $-$$
SUNSET / VICTORIA-FRASERVIEW
Character: Located on the south-eastern end of Vancouver, these quiet, residential neighbourhoods feature a diverse community of families.
Distance to Campuses: Expect a 30-45 minute bus journey to all three campuses.
Suitability: Excellent for those who enjoy a quiet residential area, and those on a lower budget.
Price Point: $-$$
RENFREW / JOYCE-COLLINGWOOD / KILLARNEY
Character: Located on the eastern side of Vancouver, bordering Burnaby, these residential areas feature a mix of diverse communities, shops and restaurants. Accommodations are located in family homes and low-rise and high-rise condos.
Distance to Campuses: The area is well serviced by buses and four skytrain stations with easy access to central Vancouver. Expect a 30-45 minute journey to any of our three campuses.
Suitability: A great option for those with a lower budget but still want to be on a skytrain route.
Stations: Renfrew, Rupert, 29th Avenue, Joyce
Price Point: $-$$
NOTE: The Downtown Eastside area and certain parts of Strathcona are developing and emerging neighbourhoods. While rents may be lower here, the area around East Hastings and Main Street is not recommended for students.
OTHER MUNICIPALITIES
Vancouver is surrounded by several affordable municipalities, also known as suburbs. Depending on the municipality, the commute can take up to an hour or longer. Many local students live with their families while studying at Blanche Macdonald and commute from the suburbs.
Below are some of the closer municipalities to Blanche Macdonald Campuses.
BURNABY
Just east of central Vancouver, Burnaby is a growing municipality that is popular with families and students. It is home to Metrotown, a major shopping mall, as well as beautiful parks and many conveniences. Burnaby can be reached by Skytrain or several bus lines and is a good option for those with a lower budget. Expect a 30-45 minute commute to all campuses. Price Point: $-$$
RICHMOND
South of central Vancouver across the Knight, Oak and Arthur Laing bridges, Richmond is home to the Vancouver Airport and several malls, with great Asian dining options and a growing Chinese community. It can be reached by the Canada Line skytrain. Expect a 30-minute to one hour commute to all campuses. Price Point: $-$$
NEW WESTMINSTER
A growing suburb that is now attracting lots of young people, young families and students, New Westminster is a historic neighbourhood southeast of Burnaby. It is home to several skytrain stations, as well as the Quay, a shopping-market area by the water. Expect a commute of 30 minutes to one hour to all campuses. Price Point: $-$$
NORTH AND WEST VANCOUVER
These upscale neighbourhoods located across the water from downtown Vancouver Campuses are home to beautiful mountain views and leafy residential areas. West Vancouver is a very affluent area, while North Vancouver is popular with families and older people. Both areas can be reached by bus or seabus in about 30 minutes to one hour (sometimes longer). Price Point: $-$$
SURREY
The growing city of Surrey is also within commuting distance from all campuses. It is popular with students, young people and families, with a large South-Asian community. Please note that some areas do have safety concerns. We recommend avoiding the areas of Whalley and Newton. Expect a journey of one hour or more to all three campuses. Price Point: $-$$
TRI-CITIES
The Tri-Cities area of Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody is popular with students and young families, offering affordable options that can be reached by Skytrain/Bus and the West Coast Express commuter train which departs from Waterfront Station in downtown Vancouver. Expect a journey of one hour or more to all three campuses. Price Point: $
Housing Tips
We want your rental experience to go as smoothly as possible. Here are some factors to consider and recommended steps and tips for searching, applying, and securing your housing.
What to look for when choosing your home
Before signing a lease or rental agreement, inspect the unit, or have a trusted friend or family member inspect it on your behalf. Discuss any issues with the landlord or property manager. Make sure to check the following:
- Do all of the doors lock properly?
- Are the appliances in working order? Check the fridge, stove and any other appliances.
- Is traffic noise an issue?
- Do the shower and taps work, and is there hot water? Turn them on the make sure.
- Is the space clean? If not, ask the landlord to have it cleaned before you move in.
- Are there any signs of damage, such as water stains or signs of pests, that you should be worried about?
- What does the rent include? Clarify if you will have to pay extra for heat, electricity, cable, laundry facilities, storage, or parking.
Apartment rentals are regulated through the BC Residential Tenancy Office. Know your rights and responsibilities as a renter in Vancouver.
Utilities and Furnishings
Utilities and furnishings are another factor to consider when renting. Consider the following points:
- Will you be paying extra for utilities (electricity, heat, hot water, internet, cable)?
- Laundry: How will you wash your clothes and how often? Most apartment buildings have communal laundry areas with coin, token or card-operated machines. If you do not have access to a washer/dryer, where is the nearest laundromat?
- How is the internet quality?
- Is the apartment furnished or unfurnished? Furnished apartments often make sense for students who will be in the city for a shorter time.
HOW TO IDENTIFY AND AVOID RENTAL SCAMS
Rental scams do exist and fraudsters tend to target first-time renters and students, especially ones who are new to the city. It's important to be aware of possible scam situations as they can affect you both financially and emotionally. Here is some advice from the Vancouver Police Department and liv.rent to protect yourself from becoming a victim of fraud:
COMMON SCENARIOS
Rental scams vary but here are two of the more common scenarios:
- A scammer poses as a landlord and says they are out of the country and require a deposit on the rental. Once the money is paid, usually through a money transfer, the new tenant discovers the property was never available for rent and you are out of a deposit.
- A scammer has somehow obtained access to a property or place. They pose as a landlord / property manager and show the victim the property. They then request an immediate down payment to secure the property and inform the victim they can move in at a later date. On the move-in date, the victim arrives only to discover it wasn’t actually a rental and there have been other victims as well.
You can also watch these YouTube videos by liv.rent:
How To Spot Rental Scams Rental Scams 101
How To Spot Rental Scams The Biggest Scams & How To Avoid Them
Red Flags and Tips
Verify the listing and who you are renting from
- Make sure each listing has a physical address that can be verified on a map.
- Confirm the identity of your landlord. Ensure you have all details regarding the individual providing the listing, including their full name, address, phone number, where they work/address, etc.
- Is the price too good to be true? Compare the price to similar rental rates in the same area or building. Often fraudsters will try to entice victims with low prices to elicit multiple victims.
- Are they just communicating with you via email? Fraudsters will not want to meet their victims in person to avoid being recognized and investigated by police.
- Always meet the landlord or property manager in person to inspect the unit together and receive the keys. Never rent a place that you have not been inside and walked around. If you can't see the property in person, schedule a virtual showing.
- Know that only the landowner and property manager have the authority to rent out a place (there are exceptions to this rule however, it is rare).
- Neighbours are a great source of information regarding the owner and property history. They can often confirm who the owner or property manager is.
Carefully review the contract
- When you receive a contract, always read the entire text carefully (including the fine print) and be sure you fully understand the document before signing.
- If possible, you (or a friend) should view a property before signing a contract.
Be careful with how you send money and the information you provide
- Sharing your Social Insurance Number (SIN), bank account and credit card are NOT required to rent an apartment.
- Never send money to an individual or organization outside of Vancouver.
- Are they asking for cash only or a cash security deposit? Do not give them cash. Cash is untraceable and can be used immediately.
- Are they asking for money to be wired? Once money is wired, it is extremely difficult to cancel the transaction. Money transfers are also difficult to trace.
Most importantly: follow your instincts. If something is too good to be true, it probably is!
This information was taken from the Vancouver Police Department website: https://vancouver.ca/police/crime-prevention/for-individuals/preventing-fraud.html, and liv.rent.
For additional information consult the following resources:
BC Residential Tenancy Office - https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/residential-tenancies
City of Vancouver Rental Database of buildings with known issues: http://app.vancouver.ca/rps_net/search.aspx
Top Tip: Approach a Housing Application with the same seriousness and professionalism you would approach a job interview.
Writing an Enquiry Email or Text
Your email or text communication will often be your first impression to your new potential Landlord. Write a professional, courteous and polite email, and be aware of grammar and spelling. Don’t be afraid to inject a little personality, or tell them a bit about yourself! Here is an example:
Dear (name of landlord or manager if known),
I am responding to your ad on Craigslist for a one-bedroom apartment. I would love to arrange a time to view the apartment. It is in my favourite neighbourhood and looks perfect! Please contact me at (phone number) or (email address) at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you.
With best wishes,
(your name)
If your enquiry is made by phone, the same rules apply - be polite, be professional, be respectful and be yourself!
Viewing Appointments/Interviews and Open Houses
As we already mentioned, the Vancouver housing market is competitive. Therefore, we suggest you approach housing as you would a job interview. Often the first step to securing a rental is to have a viewing appointment with the landlord or caretaker. Here are some tips:
- First impressions are important! Try to show up to any housing interview or search well-presented, and consider wearing what you would wear to a job interview. Think “business casual” rather than “straight from the gym”.
- Be early–or at least on time! Aim to arrive at an appointment between five and fifteen minutes early.
- Be prepared–have references at the ready, and any other paperwork that might be useful.
- Ask questions–show your interest in the property!
- Engage! Try and make a personal connection with the landlord and stand out from the crowd. This is important when the landlord is meeting lots of prospective tenants. Engage in small talk and get to know them on a personal level!
- If you find yourself in an open house situation where there are multiple potential tenants viewing the space at the same time as you, try and be 'the first to arrive and the last to leave', meaning to get there early if not on time, and be sure to stick around to the bitter end to show that you're interested and serious. You’ll also have more opportunity to speak to the landlord, engage with them and make an impression.
- Rental Résumé: you might want to consider creating a ‘rental résumé’, which tells the prospective Landlord a little bit about yourself, your background, your rental history, and provides contact and reference information all on one sheet. For more information visit: realtor.com/advice/rent/rental-resume-step-step-guide/
Security Deposit and Rental Agreement
Once you have become a successful applicant for a rental, the next step is officially confirming that agreement in writing. This is usually done by signing an agreement with the landlord called a Lease or Tenancy Agreement. It is highly recommended that this agreement is in writing, and it should include the following information:
- Your name and the name of the Landlord
- Address of the accommodation to be rented
- The start date of the tenancy
- Amount of the rent and the due date
- Amount of security deposit held by the landlord
If there is any pre-existing damage or required repairs, be sure to take photos before you move in. If your landlord says that something will be repaired or cleaned before you move in, make sure that this is documented in the Agreement. Ensure that both you and your Landlord have a copy of all the Agreements you have signed. If you change anything in the Agreement, both you and your landlord should initial beside any changes.
Before renting any accommodation, make sure you understand the contract. Here are some questions that you can ask:
- Who will be paying for the utilities such as hot water, cable, heat and internet?
- Are cable TV and Internet included in the rent?
- Do you need to pay a damage deposit? If yes, how much?
- Can you share the apartment with another person?
- Are pets allowed?
- Who will make repairs in the unit?
- Is parking included?
- What access do you have to the laundry facilities?
- Who does the cleaning?
- Will you be sharing cooking facilities or other common areas?
When paying your security deposit, ensure that you have proof of payment. Pay by cheque or other traceable method of payment, or get a receipt if you pay in cash.
Next Steps: After you have secured your home
After you have secured your home, here are some general steps to follow:
Setting Up Utilities
You may need to contact Utilities companies to set up things like electricity, phone, cable, internet, etc, or to have the bills changed over to your name. Your landlord should advise you what you need to set up. Here are some important contacts:
Furnishing Your Apartment
If you are renting an unfurnished home, you will need to buy the basics, such as a bed, desk, chairs, linens, cooking supplies and other furnishings depending on the space. Here are some economical options for new and used furnitures and decoration:
- Thrift Stores/Value Village (multiple locations – used)
- Craigslist (online – used)
- Facebook Marketplace (used)
- Garage and yard sales (used – usually on weekends)
- Ikea (new – locations in Richmond and Coquitlam)
Tenant Insurance
It is highly recommended that you have tenant insurance. This will insure you against theft, fire, and other damage. This can be done through BCAA or another private insurance company.
Know Your Rights!
For information on renting in Canada and your rights as a tenant, consult the following resources:
For a complete guide on renting in Vancouver you can take the free, online video course Renting It Right, offered by TRAC (Tenancy Resources and Advisory Centre) at https://tenants.bc.ca/.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: The information provided is for general information and is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to provide accurate and complete information however Pacifique Riche Enterprises Ltd. (doing business as Blanche Macdonald Centre (BMC)) makes no warranty or representation as to the accuracy of the information provided. Some of the information provided may have been provided by independent third parties and should not be assumed to be approved or endorsed by BMC. BMC expressly disclaims all and any liability to anyone who acts in reliance on the information provided, whether the direct recipient of such information or not. Before acting in reliance on any information provided, you are strongly advised to contact BMC or such other person, organization or legal entity as you consider necessary or advisable to confirm that any information you are relying upon is current and accurate. BMC will not be responsible for any loss or damage arising to you as a result of any actions taken by you in reliance on the information contained herein or for any errors or omissions.