International Student Guides

Housing Guide

Housing in the Vancouver area can be a challenge to figure out, particularly for newcomers. So, it’s best to start researching housing options as early as possible. If you are not yet familiar with the region, orient yourself with our Navigating Metro Vancouver Guide.

We’ve designed this guide for international students who are new to Canada, to help you understand local accommodation options and rental tips to help you find a safe and comfortable place to live. Those who already established in the Vancouver area may find the Off-campus Housing page on the BCIT Housing department site to be helpful.

Click on each topic below for more information.

BCIT Student Housing is a group living environment on our Burnaby Campus shared with other students from around Canada and the rest of the world. It is conveniently located near to a number of outdoor and indoor sports and recreation facilities, pleasant Guichon Creek, our campus library, and offers lovely views to the Coast Mountain Range in the distance.

Some off-campus sites of interest within walking distance (or a short bus ride) of BCIT Student Housing include:

Space is limited so apply for BCIT Student Housing early if this is your first choice!

For questions such as regarding the status of your application, please contact the BCIT Student Housing office directly.

Doing a homestay can be a good option for several reasons:

You can get to know a local family and learn more about local culture from them.
It is generally cheaper than renting an entire apartment.
The length of stay is often flexible, making it ideal for short-term stays or even just for your first months here while looking for a more permanent housing solution.
Your meals are often included, so you won’t need to spend a lot of time cooking or spend a lot of money on take-out or restaurant food.

Each homestay is different though so it is important that you understand all of the house rules and read carefully through all of the information before signing any contract or agreement.

The following companies offer local homestay options:

Subletting can be an affordable, short-term housing option. It is an informal agreement to temporarily take over someone’s rented living space and to pay rent and sometimes utility bills on their behalf. You may or may not be asked to sign any agreement document. Be aware that with no signed agreement to refer to you may have little legal protection if there were to be any kind of dispute. If you are considering a subletting option, stick with people that you either know or who come recommended by someone you trust.

Local friend and family networks as well as the the myBCIT Mobile App (housing discussion forum) are good places to start.

Looking into accommodations listed on vacation rental sites such as Airbnb and VRBO may expand your options. These are generally intended for short-term bookings and tend to be more expensive than any of the above options. However, vacation rentals may allow you to book the exact dates of your choosing and some offer discounted weekly or monthly rates.

Once you have been living in the region for a while, you may consider looking to rent an accommodations off-campus on your own or with family or friends. Various listing services have housing options, but be aware that these are typically unverified and there may be some fraudulent listings. See below for how to avoid scams and what you should be aware of before signing any lease.

Here are several listing services for housing in the Vancouver area:

This list is provided for informational purposes only. We do not endorse any of these particular companies, nor do we take any responsibility for any interactions students may have with them.

Be aware that unfortunately there are bad actors out trying to steal money from other people. A common scam involves fraudulent housing listings that often appear “too good to be true” and require payment to be sent in advance. When the victim arrives in Canada, they realize the place that they paid to rent doesn’t exist and the money along with the scammer are nowhere to be found. For your own well-being, we advise against transferring funds for housing before you travel to Canada unless you are absolutely sure that you can trust the other party involved.

Learn more about rental scams from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Lease is the commonly-used local term for a tenancy agreement. It is a legal document in Canada that an individual may sign with a landlord or property manager in order to rent a property. Once a lease is signed by both parties, a tenancy is begun and the leaseholder and any other occupants listed on the lease (i.e. family members, housemates, etc.) become tenants. In BC, tenants have certain rights as well as responsibilities as established by the Residential Tenancy Act.

Before signing any lease, we strongly recommend for you to:

Familiarize yourself with the local area. Explore different areas to see where you might like to live. We suggest spending at least a few months in the Vancouver area before considering signing a lease in your name.
Educate yourself on tenants rights and responsibilities. Complete the free, online Renting it Right courses and review the other resources on the Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre website along with their The Tenant Survival Guide.
Contact the landlord or property manager to book a time to inspect the property in person. Bring a friend or family member with you if possible. Make note of any damage (taking photos if necessary) and bring it to the landlord’s attention. Walk around the neighborhood and check for amenities that may be important to you such as transit connections, grocery stores, parks, cafes, etc.
Read the lease carefully. Take your time and make sure that you fully understand the terms since it becomes legally binding once you sign it.

Housing Guide

BCIT Student Housing

GEC Living

Homestay

Subletting

Vacation rentals

Public housing listing services

Avoiding scams

Considering signing a lease?