As one of the largest and most beautiful cities in Canada, Vancouver’s housing is in high demand.
But by starting your search early, you can find a place that’s right for you.
Some students opt for housing in neighbourhoods near VCC’s Broadway and Downtown campuses. You might also find options close to Skytrain Stations in other cities near Vancouver like Burnaby, Richmond, New Westminster, or Surrey.
Off-campus student housing
Global Education City or GEC Living is Vancouver’s largest off-campus student accommodation provider, hosting over 5,000 students annually. GEC Living is a popular choice because it provides a comfortable and safe living environment for students from around the world.
GEC units come with a bed, bedding, desk and chair. Utilities like wifi are included. There are staff on site, 24/7 on-call emergency assistance and centralized security.
GEC operates six residences in Vancouver and Burnaby. The GEC Kingsway residence is recommended for VCC students.
- Move-in ready: GEC’s apartments are fully furnished
- Services: Depending on the residence, GEC may offer amenities like housekeeping and gym facilities
- Convenience: GEC residences are all located in Vancouver, within walking distance to malls, grocery stores, and other community amenities
- Student community: Opportunities for social interaction, networking, and collaboration among students from diverse backgrounds
Homestays
With a homestay, a Canadian resident provides you with a bedroom in their home while you share common spaces. Homestays are a great option for students wishing to practice English outside the classroom and learn about the Canadian way of life.
If you’re interested in staying with a homestay family, explore resources like Liane’s Vancouver Homestay and SpacesShared.
- Private bedroom with a bed, bedding, dresser, desk, chair, desk lamp and closet
- Shared common areas of the house including bathroom, kitchen, and TV room
- Use of utilities, like Wi-Fi, and laundry facilities
- Three meals per day (be sure to check with your homestay family for exact meal times)
Rental housing
Because Vancouver is so desirable, finding a suite to rent isn’t always easy. But there are many websites designed to help you search.
VCC does not endorse these sites or the information you might find on them. We encourage prospective students to search carefully and be aware of scams. In addition to online searches, you might also find apartment listings on bulletin boards at VCC campuses or in local newspaper.
- Companies like Silverstone Properties and Canadian Apartment Properties own and operate several buildings with apartments for rent in Vancouver and other cities nearby
- Sites like Places4Students and 4Stay specialize in helping international students find housing options
- In addition to Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji and Craigslist, other sites to search for housing include: Liv, PadMapper, Zillow and Zumper
Beware of scams
While most housing providers are trustworthy, housing scams can happen. As part of your housing search, be alert to the common signs of a scam.
You can learn more about fraud and scams from the Government of Canada and the Province of BC. If you think you have been a victim of fraud in Vancouver, contact the Vancouver Police Department or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
You can also visit Government of Canada websites, like this one about renting an apartment or house.
Other helpful resources for your housing search include social media groups or student forums specific to international students in Vancouver.
- Beware of claims the landlord is “out of the country” and payments must be issued to them in advance
- Do not share personal information, such as your SIN or bank details, before signing a rental agreement
- Always view the property in person or through a virtual tour attended by someone you trust
- Research the landlord’s contact information and the property’s address
- Never transfer money without a signed rental agreement and verifying the landlord’s identity
Your rights as a tenant
It is important that you know your rights as a tenant in British Columbia.
One security deposit and one pet damage deposit (if applicable) can be requested for each unit by the landlord. Neither deposit can be more than half of one month’s rent. Always document the condition of the property when you move in.
Landlords must provide written notice at least three months in advance for rent increases and can only raise rent once per year within government-set limits.
It is the landlord’s responsibility to maintain the property in a safe and habitable condition.
If you require additional support, contact the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB).
- A tenancy agreement is a contract between a landlord and a tenant.
- It outlines important details such as rental duration, rent amount, and landlord/tenant responsibilities.
- Both landlords and tenants must sign and date a tenancy agreement.
- Ensure you review the terms and conditions carefully before signing the agreement.
- Keep a signed copy for your records.