You may be new to renting in Nanaimo, having issues with your rental or planning to end your tenancy. Below are short videos and links to useful resources. We strongly recommend taking the VIU Rent Wise or TRAC's Renting It Right course. These can be useful if you don't have references from past landlords, for example. They can also get you a Co-Curricular Record credit - great to show future employers, for example.
VIU Rent Wise
Free to VIU students! In this 2.5 hour session, you'll learn about renting locally, budgeting, searching listings, preparing rental applications, basic rental law, protecting yourself from accidental damage costs, linked VIU supports ... and more. Knowing your rights and responsibilities tells landlords you'll be an educated tenant and a good neighbour. Gain a certificate of completion and choose to let landlords verify participation. Zoom and in-person sessions available. Contact Off-Campus Housing for more details.
Upcoming VIU Rent Wise courses
Friday 24 November 2023, 1.00 pm PST (All VIU students) - in-person, Nanaimo campus. BOOK ON CCR APP.
Tuesday 28 November 2023, 07.30 am PST (International pre-arrival students) - Zoom. MESSAGE TO BOOK.
If you are interested in future courses, please contact Off-Campus Housing. We will get back to you with more information.
Before you start looking for private accommodation in Nanaimo, you’ll need to know some basics. How much does accommodation cost? Where can I find somewhere to rent? Should I find a roommate? This session will answer these questions and more. You will also learn about ‘Renting it Right’, a free course that will really boost your knowledge and help you to stand out in Nanaimo’s busy rental market.
Useful Links
- Housing Costs & Budgeting: Zumper, Numbeo, Monthly Budget Worksheet
- Where to Look for Housing: Places4Students, Needs and Preferences Worksheet, EO Live & Learn, BU, Nanaimo Bus Routes
- Promoting Yourself to Landlords: References Worksheet, Cover Letter Template, Cover Letter Examples, Renting It Right Course
- Roommates: VIU Student Union (VIUSU) app, VIU Co-Curricular App, Places4Students Roommate Finder, Roomies.ca, VIU OCH Roommate Guide & Agreement
- Contact VIU: Housing@viu.ca
Are you starting to look for somewhere to rent in Nanaimo? This session focuses on searching for accommodation. We’ll look at maximizing your options and boosting your profile in a challenging market. You'll learn about some practical aspects of starting a tenancy in BC, such as viewings, contracts and costs.
Links in this Video
- Looking for Accommodation (General): TRAC Finding Rental Housing
- Housing Costs and Budgeting: Zumper, Numbeo
- Roommates: VIU Student Union (VIUSU) app, VIU Co-Curricular App, Places4Students Roommate Finder, Roomies, VIU OCH Roommate Guide & Agreement
- Where to Look for Housing: Places4Students, Nanaimo Bus Routes
- Promoting Yourself to Landlords: Renting It Right Resources, Renting It Right Course
- (Legal) Rental Agreements: TRAC Am I covered by the Law?
- Allowable Fees and Charges: TRAC Fees
- Condition Inspection Report: TRAC CIR's
- Tenants' Insurance: TRAC Tenant Insurance
Have you found somewhere to live but are having problems? Common issues with private rentals include deposits, security and privacy from a landlord. You may also be thinking about moving out before your contract ends. Your landlord might even be asking you to leave.
Links in this Video
- Writing to Your Landlord: TRAC Template Letters
- Emergency Repairs and Maintenance: TRAC Repairs and Maintenance
- Allowable Fees and Charges: TRAC Fees
- Being Evicted: TRAC Evictions
- Breaking a Lease: TRAC Breaking a Lease
- Moving Out: Final Cleaning List
Is your tenancy agreement finishing at the end of the semester? In this final session, we will look at giving notice and preparing to vacate your rental, getting your deposit returned and what to do if things go wrong.
Links in this Video
- Moving Out: TRAC Moving Out, Final Cleaning List
- Writing to Your Landlord: TRAC Template Letters
- Final Condition Inspection: TRAC CIR's
- Getting Help: TRAC Tenant Infoline
Contact Us
Please contact Off-Campus Housing or book a meeting.