Housing and Accomodations

Accommodations and Housing  

On Campus Housing 

If you choose to apply for housing on or off campus before your study permit is approved, please ask for and review the refund policy for any deposits in advance. Deposits may not be refundable even if your study permit is declined.   

UNBC has a student residence for students that would like to live on-campus. There are application deadlines and deposits required to apply to on-campus housing. See the UNBC Housing and Resident Life website for more information.   

 

Off Campus Housing 

Students can also choose to live off-campus. More information about the rental market can be found here. The UNBC NUGSS Student Society has put together a guide to help with finding off-campus accommodations. It is possible to find housing on social media sites, prospective students should be wary of potential scams.   

For more information about renting in BC please visit the BC Residential Tenancy Site and review the Residential Tenancy Act. 

 

Renting in British Columbia  

This information was taken from the BC Government Residential Tenancy Branch Website. Please refer to the Government website for the most up-to-date and current information. 

Tenant Rights and Responsibilities 

As a tenant, you have rights and responsibilities that must be honoured. 

  • Guests: you are entitled to have guests stay over without restrictions or extra fees. However the guests cannot become occupants of the rental property without a discussion with your landlord.  
  • Any subletting must be approved by the landlord 
  • Landlords cannot enter the home without 24 hours notice, except in the case of an emergency. Landlords may enter the outside property or common areas without notice. 
  • Tenants must pay rent by the agreed upon time, as outlined in the rental agreement.  

Room Rentals 

  • Renting a single room is not covered by the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) 
  • Disputes are not resolved through the RTB 

Landlord Rights and Responsibilities 

Landlords also have rights and responsibilities to follow. 

  • Landlords are responsible for most repairs, unless minor or caused by tenants. Repair requests must be made in writing. If the landlord refuses, the tenant must apply for a dispute resolution through the RTB; rent cannot be withheld for repairs. 
  • If rent is late or not paid in full, landlords can issue a 10 day notice to pay the full amount, or face eviction.  
  • The rent amount can be increased after one full year, and once per year after. The landlord must give 3 months notice to the increase, and can only increase by 3% per year (as of March 2025) 
  • To keep any deposits for repairs after the tenancy is done, the landlord must return the deposit and apply through the RTB to keep all or part of it, unless agreed upon with the tenant. 
  • Landlords have the right to allow or inhibit smoking and pet on the property 

Scams 

Scams are common when looking for a rental. Be suspicious if:  

  • If the monthly rent is lower than other similar places  
  • If the landlord does not ask for a credit or reference check 
  • If the name of the landlord is not on the rental documents 
  • If the landlord asks for a deposit without a signed rental agreement 
  • If the landlord claims they are out of the country and that they will mail you the key once money is sent 
  • Will use pictures from another rental advertisement 

Protect yourself by:  

  • Conduct a reverse image search to see if the photos were used elsewhere  
  • Go to the address and arrange to view the apartment 
  • Ensure that a proper tenancy agreement is drafted and signed by both parties 
  • Many apartment buildings have websites if you see an advertisement on social media, check to see if the contact information matches the property website