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 us about off-campus housing for more details.
Upcoming VIU Rent Wise courses
There are currently no courses scheduled. If you would like to register your interest in the next session, please contact Off-Campus Housing.
Explore these videos and resources to learn about renting in B.C.
Before you start looking for private rental housing, you’ll need to know some basics. How much should I budget? Where can I find listings? Should I find a roommate? This video will answer these questions and more. Ask about ‘VIU Rent Wise’ - a free course that will really boost your knowledge and help you to stand out in a busy rental market.
Links
- Costs & Budgeting: VIU OCH Budget Calculator, Zumper (average rents), Numbeo (cost of living)
- Looking for Housing & Roommates: Find Rental Properties and Roommates, VIU OCH Needs & Preferences Worksheet, EO Live & Learn & BU (rental listing language), Avoiding Scams Tips, Nanaimo Bus Routes
- Promoting Yourself to Landlords: VIU OCH References Worksheet, VIU OCH Cover Letter Examples, Renting It Right Course
Are you starting to look for somewhere to rent? This video 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
- Looking for Housing & Roommates: Find Rental Properties and Roommates, VIU OCH Needs & Preferences Worksheet, EO Live & Learn & BU (rental listing language), Nanaimo Bus Routes
- Costs & Budgeting: VIU OCH Budget Calculator, Zumper (average rents), Numbeo (cost of living guide)
- Living with Roommates: VIU OCH Roommate Guide & Agreement
- Promoting Yourself to Landlords: VIU OCH References Worksheet, VIU OCH Cover Letter Examples, 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 (information), BC Condition Inspection Report (form)
- Tenants' Insurance: TRAC Tenant Insurance, TD (VIU Students) Renters' 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
- 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: RTB Moving Out (information and links), Final Cleaning List
Is your tenancy agreement finishing at the end of the semester? In this final video, 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
- 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.