Please note that all rental prices listed below are approximations specific to the city of Vancouver. Students comfortable with a longer commute to Regent may be interested in seeking housing in some of the Vancouver suburbs, such as Burnaby, Richmond, or New Westminster. 

Apartment

Typically, these are individual, self-contained housing units within a house or building. Each apartment has its own facilities and private entrance. Apartments can have up to three or four bedrooms, but most often have one or two bedrooms. They are usually unfurnished, but it’s possible to find some that are partially or fully furnished. They generally contain kitchen facilities (stove and refrigerator, etc.), and laundry can be shared and coin-operated. Do not assume all buildings have laundry. Be sure to ask!

Studio or Bachelor Suite

A studio or bachelor suite is a private apartment with the bed in the living area. Sometimes they have a combined kitchen/eating area in one large room with the living/sleeping area. Most are unfurnished but generally contain kitchen facilities (stove and refrigerator, etc.).

Basement Suite

Room and Board

This usually includes a furnished bedroom with meals cooked for the student in an arrangement suitable for the student and landlord. Some people like to include their boarders as part of the family, eating and spending time together, while others live much more independently. Make sure you meet with the family first to decide whether you are compatible and schedules are similar. Usually the Residential Tenancy Act does not cover room and board situations because they are licensee situations. You may want to create a landlord-tenant contract. Be aware that unless you make specific stipulations in the agreement, no notice has to be given for termination of tenancy, and the landlord can enforce curfew rules. Anything you sign can be legally binding.

Room with Kitchen Privileges

This is usually a furnished bedroom with access to kitchen and bathroom facilities, which are shared with the landlord. You will need to confer with the landlord to determine if this includes laundry.

Shared Accommodation

Shared accommodation, such as Regent Community Houses, can be an apartment, house, or suite rented by two or more people. The total rent is divided by the number of renters. In terms of price, this is often much more reasonable than private accommodations. Be aware that if only one person signs the rental agreement, that person is legally responsible for the entire rent. Make sure there is a clear understanding between both the landlord and all tenants regarding responsibilities, duties and expectations.

House

A house can be furnished or unfurnished. Most houses come with 2 to 4 bedrooms.