Your Checklist
- Prepare your budget. Let landlords know you can meet rent and bill payments.
- Research local listings (below). Get an idea of current average rents.
- Know what a legally protected tenancy is – and what it isn’t.
- Think through your personal needs and preferences.
- Apply to all properties that meet your budget and needs. Join all suggested Facebook groups (below). Connect with other students.
- Send landlods a personalized cover letter, references and your VIU enrollment letter.
- A VIU Rent Wise certificate will also greatly improve your application. Please ask for details.
- You may not get replies from many landlords – keep going! Be flexible with your needs and preferences. Living with roommates or in a landlord’s own home will give you more options and save money.
- VIU students rely on good relationships with local landlords. If you can’t attend a viewing, let them know.
Places4Students is a dedicated site for VIU student rentals. Listings include distance to VIU, what's included in your rent and more. As our trusted partner, we direct landlord inquiries here first.
Other places to search listings include: Facebook Marketplace, International Students at VIU Facebook Nanaimo Rent House/Apartment/Basement/Room Facebook Nanaimo Rentals Facebook Nanaimo rentals Facebook Nanaimo Housing Rentals Facebook Nanaimo BC Rental Properties Facebook Nanaimo 4 Rent Facebook Nanaimo BC Rental Properties Facebook Nanaimo Real Estate For Sale or Rent Facebook Nanaimo Pet Friendly Only rentals! Facebook Pet Friendly Nanaimo Facebook Student Accommodation One Off-Campus Housing Qdb RentFaster Rent Seeker Zumper Rentals RentBoard Padmapper Roomster Kijiji Craigslist Used Nanaimo Rentals
You can also try Sun Porch Student Housing, DLX on 3rd, Springboard at 420 Albert and local property management companies. The World Tree Community Services also offer rooms.
Sharing a kitchen or bathroom with your landlord? Renting a room from a head-tenant? You may not be covered by tenancy law and get a standard rental contract. The VIU Rental Guide and Agreement (non-RTA) can help everyone set up clear expectations about rent and bills, good housekeeping and living together happily. Go to Housing Education and Resources for more on your rights and responsibilities.
Off-campus accommodation is not checked by VIU for quality or legitimacy. VIU is not a part of any off-campus housing agreement. Any private contracts are the renter’s responsibility. Read your agreement in full and understand the terms before you sign.
Roommates
Good places to find roommates are: VIU Student Union (VIUSU) app, Places4Students Roommate Finder, VIU Co-Curricular App, Roomies, Roomster. Many house-hunters join Nanaimo Facebook groups and post roommate or rental property requests. Have a look at some ideas for your post.
Roommate Agreement: Before you move in together, talk about your expectations of sharing a home. Download and complete the VIU OCH Roommate Guide and Agreement to help avoid common issues.
Roommate Disputes can be very stressful and really undermine your studies. The VIU Blog on has ideas for constructive discussions.
Beware of Scams
Private landlords may offer to sign a contract and ask for a security (damage) deposit before you see the property. Although this is not illegal, the risk of a scam is far greater. It's usually best to view in person. Consider booking local temporary accommodation while you search. We appreciate the need to secure housing. If you are signing and sending money in advance, you can:
- avoid listings asking for 'application fees' - illegal in RTA covered units
- check the overall listing quality and language
- avoid listings that are noticeably cheaper than the local average
- avoid listings that are very general, e.g do not publish a location
- check the postal address and postcode
- Google the property and the landlord
- communicate with the landlord by email - avoid instant messaging or social media
- call the landlord's phone number to check it's genuine
- ask for the landlord's ID and a recent utility bill from the address
- get a contract (where applicable)
- do not advance more than is reasonable
- get a video viewing or a friend in town to visit
- only pay in Canadian dollars $CAD
The Government Anti-Fraud Centre has more information about protecting yourself and reporting scams.
Happipad
Happipad are a non-profit host/guest matching service expanding into Nanaimo. Grown out of a UBC tutor/student project, they are a home-sharing option for more senior homeowners and students.
Sometimes, connecting with a local organization can lead to the right accommodation. If you belong to any community organizations at home, we can try to help put you in touch with similar groups in Nanaimo.
Contact Us
Please contact Off-Campus Housing or book a meeting.