Exploring Off-Campus Living Options
Living off-campus provides independence and a chance to experience Vancouver beyond college life. However, finding suitable rentals can be challenging for newcomers due to a competitive market. Despite these hurdles, the rewards of creating your own space and engaging with the vibrant community are worth the effort.
Finding a place
Finding a rental in Vancouver can be a daunting task for both newcomers and locals. For more details, check our post on preparing for and selecting your rental property. Below are key resources to help you navigate the rental landscape both online and in-person.
Online Resources for Finding Rentals
Here are some helpful websites and apps to kickstart your search for a rental in Vancouver.
- Liv.rent
- Padmapper
- Zumper
- Rentals.ca
- Sparrow
- Zillow
- Facebook Marketplace or Facebook Groups such as Vancouver Rentals & Roommates
- Craigslist or Kijiji
Finding Rentals In-Person
If you’re already in Vancouver, take a stroll through your preferred neighborhood to look for rental signs. Many landlords advertise vacancies by posting signs outside their buildings, a practice that’s particularly common in older neighborhoods and buildings. This hands-on approach can help you discover opportunities that may not be listed online.
Rental Scams
In Vancouver’s competitive housing market, rental scams are unfortunately quite common. Trust your instincts—if something feels off or too good to be true, it likely is. To help you stay safe and informed, here are some valuable resources on how to protect yourself from rental scams:
Rental Scams – Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
Fraud Prevention – Vancouver Police Department (vpd.ca)
How To Protect Yourself From Rental Scams In Canada – liv.rent
Understand Your Rights and Responsibilities As a Renter in BC
Understanding your rights and responsibilities is one of the most crucial steps before and after signing your lease agreement. Familiarizing yourself with information on renting in Canada, tenancy agreements, tenant rights, and how to effectively communicate with landlords is essential. For more information, take a look at our article on what to prepare and consider when selecting your rental property. Here are some key resources to help you navigate the rental landscape:
- BC Residential Tenancy Act – Official legislation published by the Government of BC.
- Resources and Information about Residential Tenancies – Covers topics such as rent increases, tenancy agreements, disputes, and more.
Please Note: The off-housing options suggested by Coquitlam College are provided solely for your convenience. We do not own, manage, inspect, endorse, or assume responsibility for any of the properties or sites mentioned. Coquitlam College does not assume any responsibility for agreements made between the student and the landlord. The College strongly advises students to be aware of potential rental scams and to carefully review and understand the BC Tenancy Act before signing any rental agreements. Please see the ‘Rental Scams’ section on this page for more information on how to protect yourself from residential rental scams.
