Navigating off-campus housing

Finding off-campus housing can be tough, but also very rewarding. Here are a few things to remember before signing that lease.

WHERE TO SEARCH? If you’re looking for a house or apartment, Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace are great sites to check regularly. There are also Facebook groups specifically for UBC students where people post ads looking for renters or subletters, usually in locations close to UBC. It’s usually a good idea to start your search at least a month in advance if possible.

ROOMMATES Living with roommates can have many benefits — a shoulder to cry on after a brutal exam, someone to go on impromptu adventures with and (usually) cheaper rent. Choose wrong and you can end up with a home you don’t want to return to at the end of the day. You don’t need to be best friends with your roommates, but make sure you’re at least somewhat compatible before you sign a lease together.

Not having a group of friends to live with doesn’t mean you need to find a studio apartment. There are often postings for vacant bedrooms in houses or apartments — usually the descriptions for these also include information on the vibe and interests of the house, so you can make a judgement on whether the situation will work for you. This can be a great way to meet new people — but try to arrange a meeting or a video call before you commit!

HOUSING TYPE Living in a house can be cheaper than an apartment, but you will usually need to have at least four people to make it affordable. If you’re renting by yourself, or alongside just one or two roommates, an apartment is your best bet.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION Unless you’re looking to bike or walk everyday, proximity to bus and train lines is essential to minimize your commutes. Before you commit to a place, make sure to map out how long it will take you to travel to UBC, or if this is a distance you’ll be able to do everyday. It’s not a bad idea to check out the commutes to other areas as well — such as your workplace, grocery stores or coffee shops.

LANDLORDS AND LEGALITIES There is always a risk of people taking advantage of you as a renter — be aware of your rights before renting! Check out resources such as Vancouver’s Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre to educate yourself. It is also important to fully read and understand your lease before signing it — make sure you are clear on the landlord’s expectations regarding subletting, pets and anything else that may become important. U