Home » Living in Victoria BC » Student Renter’s Guide

Overview

For students attending the Victoria Academy of Dramatic Arts (VADArts), finding the right housing is essential, as the academy does not offer on-campus housing options. However, finding long-term housing can be difficult, especially for first-time students. This guide will help you navigate the process and find a suitable place to call home.

Understanding Victoria’s Housing Market

The Victoria housing market is known for being competitive, with its desirable location, mild climate, and vibrant community, rental demand in Victoria is high, which can make finding affordable housing challenging, especially for newcomers. Here are some key points to help you navigate the market:

Types of Housing

Victoria offers a variety of housing options for students, with prices depending on the type and location. Here’s a breakdown to help you find the best fit for your needs and budget:

  • Shared Housing:  Renting a room in a shared house or apartment is the most affordable option. You’ll share common areas like the kitchen and living room with roommates. (C$900–C$1,300/per month)
  • Basement Suites: These self-contained units often include a private entrance, kitchen, and bathroom, offering a good balance of privacy and affordability. (C$1,200–C$1,800/per month)
  • Studio Apartments: Ideal for those who prefer living alone, studios are compact and private but more expensive. (C$1,500–C$2,000/per month)
  • One-Bedroom Apartments: These units offer more space and privacy but are among the costliest options. (C$1,700–C$2,200/per month)

Neighbourhood to Consider

The Victoria Academy of Dramatic Arts is situated in Downtown Victoria. This neighbourhood offers students easy access to various practical amenities and social venues, making it an ideal neighbourhood for academy students.

While living downtown is convenient, it can be expensive. Nearby neighborhoods such as Fernwood, Fairfield, Oaklands, and Hillside provide more affordable options and are well-connected by public transit. For a comprehensive overview of all neighborhoods, we recommend consulting Moving to Victoria’s Neighbourhoods & Suburbs Guide.

The Cost of Renting

Renting in Victoria involves both ongoing monthly costs and one-time expenses, in addition to regular rent payments. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect when budgeting for housing.

These are regular expenses included in your tenancy:

  • Utilities, such as Electricity, Heating & Water: C$50–C$150/per month (often included in rent for basement suites or shared housing).
  • Internet: C$60–C$100/per month (not always included).
  • Tenant Insurance: C$15–C$30/per month (highly recommended & sometimes required).
  • Parking: C$50–C$150/per month (if applicable).

These are initial costs paid when signing a lease or moving in:

  • Damage Deposit: C$450–C$1,100 (Up to half a month’s rent. Refundable at the end of your tenancy if no damages occur.)
  • Pet Deposit: C$450–C$1,100 (Up to half a month’s rent. Refundable at the end of your tenancy if no damages occur.)
  • Moving Costs: C$100–C$500 (Highly dependable on distance and services.)
  • Furnishings: C$500–C$2,000 (for basic furniture and household items.

Tenant Resources and Advisory Centre

The Tenant Resources and Advisory Centre (TRAC) is a helpful resource for students seeking housing in Victoria, especially for newcomers to BC. As a non-profit organization, TRAC offers free legal information, education, and advocacy regarding residential tenancy. They aim to help renters understand their rights and responsibilities under the Residential Tenancy Act that governs most rental agreements in BC.

Searching for Housing

Once you’re familiar with the Greater Victoria housing market, you can shift your focus to finding long-term housing.

Know What You’re Looking For

Deciding where to apply for rental housing can feel overwhelming. To help focus your search, think about what matters most to you. This needs and preferences worksheet can help focus your search.

Know Your Budget

The Credit Counselling Society is an accredited non-profit charity that helps Canadians with their money. Their free Budget Calculator will guide you through the budgeting process, suggest how much to spend on each category, warn you if you are spending too much or too little, and offer other general suggestions to help you create a budget that makes sense for you.

Know Where to Look

Finding housing in Victoria, BC, is easier with the right resources. Online platforms like Craigslist, Kijiji, and Facebook Marketplace offer a wide range of listings, from private rentals to shared accommodations. Local property management companies provide professionally managed rentals, ensuring properties are safe and well-maintained. Community housing groups on Facebook or bulletin boards in libraries and coffee shops can connect students with affordable and flexible options.

Know How to Avoid Scams

Housing scams pose a significant risk for students, making it crucial to stay alert. Always verify rental listings and be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true. It’s important to meet the landlord and visit the property in person before signing any rental agreements. Never send money without first confirming that the rental is legitimate. Additionally, research landlords or rental agencies by checking reviews and references.

If you think something is wrong, trust yourself and consider these important questions.

Before You Move-In

Inspection report

Before signing anything, you and your landlord should complete a move-in inspection report. This is a chance to document the condition of your home before you move in and when you move out.

Tenancy Agreement

Make sure you understand your rights and responsibilities before signing a tenancy agreement.

Although verbal tenancy agreements are covered by the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA), it is always best to have a written agreement with your landlord.

Signing a hard copy contract is one of the best ways you can protect yourself as a tenant since it proves the terms you agreed to at the start of your tenancy. Your landlord should provide you with a copy of your signed agreement.

Tenancy and Roommates

If you will be living with roommates, it’s important to understand the type of tenancy agreement you have. Depending on your situation, you may or may not be protected under the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA).

  • Each individual name is on the rental agreement; therefore everyone is protected under the RTA.
  • Co-tenants pay rent to their landlord collectively, and must decide amongst themselves how to divide the cost.
  • Co-tenants are jointly responsible for everything that is related to their tenancy, which means that everyone is equally responsible for each other’s behaviour.
  • Tenants in common live in the same rental unit, but each individual has a separate tenancy agreement with the landlord. Tenants are protected under the RTA.
  • Each tenant is responsible for their own behavior.
  • Tenants in common may not have control over who else is living in the home.
  • An “occupant/roommate” is someone who rents from another tenant with whom they live – not the landlord.
  • Occupant/roommates are not protected by the RTA.
  • Legal disputes between roommates can be resolved through the Civil Resolution Tribunal.

Tenant Insurance

Renters insurance is an important consideration for students. It protects your belongings against theft, fire, and other unexpected events. Policies typically cost between $15 and $30 per month, depending on coverage. Many insurance providers in BC offer student-friendly plans, such as the British Columbia Automobile Association (BCAA) or ApolloCover.