Accommodation in Vancouver

Thanks to its clean air, laid-back atmosphere and spectacular natural beauty, Vancouver is consistently voted one of the world’s most desirable destinations for expats to move to. With a huge assortment of boroughs, each with its own unique history, character, and flavour, Vancouver has something for everyone.

That said, Vancouver also happens to be the most expensive city in Canada and claims the highest housing prices in North America. You should note that finding a good property at a reasonable price may take a few months of hard searching. Fortunately, the city’s public transport system is excellent, so distance from the city centre is usually a negligible factor.

Cost of Living in Vancouver Charts

Neighbourhoods in Vancouver

With its diverse neighbourhoods, Vancouver offers something for everyone. The city is divided into four general areas: Central, West Side, East Side, and South Vancouver, as well as several smaller cities that form part of the greater Metro Vancouver area. These areas provide unique characteristics and amenities that suit a variety of lifestyles.

In Central Vancouver, you’re right in the heart of the action, with easy access to amenities and cultural attractions. Moving further away from downtown, you’ll find more affordable housing, and Vancouver's extensive public transit system, including the SkyTrain and bus services, makes commuting from these areas relatively easy.

Read more about the Best (and Worst) Neighbourhoods in Vancouver.

Types of accommodation in Vancouver

Types of accommodation in Vancouver are diverse and cater to various needs. The sea and mountains limit new housing construction in Vancouver, leading to an increase in high-density living. Apartments and condominiums are prevalent throughout the city, particularly in downtown and surrounding neighbourhoods, offering gyms, pools, and communal spaces.

Single, freestanding houses are rare in the city proper, but you may find these larger properties in suburban areas like Burnaby, Langley, and Surrey. These detached homes are ideal for families looking for more space. Additionally, townhouses and duplexes offer a balance between apartment living and single-family homes, providing a mix of affordability and space.

Vancouver also has more affordable options, such as basement suites and laneway houses, where homeowners rent out secondary units within residential neighbourhoods.

Furnished vs unfurnished

Both unfurnished and furnished housing are available, with most accommodation options listed as unfurnished. That said, even unfurnished accommodation often includes appliances like refrigerators and stoves. Newer rentals may even include a washer, dryer, microwave, and dishwasher. Furnished rentals, particularly common in central areas and near universities, often come with beds, sofas, dining tables, and essential appliances, making them convenient for a hassle-free move.

Short lets

Short-term rentals are an option if you are not ready to commit to a long-term lease. These are ideal if you’re relocating for work or just want to experience Vancouver for a few months before making a more permanent move.

Platforms like Airbnb are popular for finding short rentals, but availability can be limited, and prices may be higher compared to long-term leases. Other options include Vrbo, which offers a variety of furnished rental properties, or Nestpick for short-term stays. Each of these platforms offers different benefits, so it’s worth checking a few to find the right fit for your needs.

Useful links

• Airbnb Vancouver
• Vrbo Vancouver
• Nestpick Vancouver

Finding accommodation in Vancouver

Finding accommodation in Vancouver can be challenging, but there are several resources to help you. The best way to keep up to date with what’s available in Vancouver’s property market is to peruse online property portals. You may also consider enlisting the services of a local real estate agent. These professionals are familiar with the market and the processes of leasing and buying property in Vancouver. Many agents also have accommodation listings on their websites.

Other useful resources include community bulletin boards at local cafés, libraries, community centres, and social media groups dedicated to Vancouver housing. University housing offices can also provide listings for those affiliated with educational institutions.

Useful links

• Real Estate Wire (REW)
• Zumper Apartments for Rent in Vancouver
• liv.rent Vancouver Rental Listings
• RentFaster.ca: Find Rentals in Vancouver

Renting accommodation in Vancouver

Renting accommodation in Vancouver is generally more affordable than buying property, although costs can still vary widely depending on the neighbourhood. West Vancouver has some of the highest rental prices, while areas like Surrey and North Delta are more affordable. Due to the competitive nature of Vancouver's rental market, it is important to be prepared with the necessary documentation and to act quickly when you find a suitable place.

Common challenges renters face in Vancouver include high rental costs, low vacancy rates, and a competitive market. To tackle these challenges, consider living in suburban areas where rents are often lower or share accommodation to reduce costs. It’s also essential to prepare your rental application in advance.

Making an application

You will usually need references, proof of income, and a security deposit to apply for a rental. It’s a good idea to have all your documents ready in advance, as Vancouver’s rental market can be quite competitive. Being prepared and acting swiftly can make all the difference in securing your desired rental property.

Leases, costs and fees

Rental periods are typically for a year, although six-month leases are sometimes negotiable. Leases can vary depending on the landlord and normally require one month’s notice before moving out. Security deposits on rentals in Vancouver are typically one month’s rent. Both you and the landlord or agent should do a walkthrough and take careful note of the state of the apartment or house before moving in. If the inventory shows no damage at the end of the lease, the full deposit should be returned to you.

Be aware of local regulations affecting rental agreements, such as the Residential Tenancy Act, which outlines your rights and responsibilities. Rent increases can only happen once every 12 months, and landlords must provide at least three months' notice.

Terminating the lease

When you decide to leave your rental, you’ll need to give notice as specified in your lease, typically 30 days. Leave the property in good condition to ensure you receive your full deposit. If you have a fixed-term lease, you may need to fulfil the rest of the term unless you and the landlord mutually agree to end it early.

Useful links

• Residential Tenancy Act

Utilities in Vancouver

The lease will state whether you are liable to pay for utilities such as gas, water, electricity, cable, and so forth, which will be at the landlord's discretion. In Vancouver, utilities are generally excluded, but it may be negotiable. When signing a lease, carefully read the rental agreement to understand what is included in the rental price.

Electricity

Electricity is supplied by BC Hydro. You can set up service by registering online or calling their customer service. You’ll need to provide your new address, move-in date, and personal identification details. A security deposit may be required, which is refundable after a year of good payment history.

Gas

FortisBC is the only supplier of natural gas in Vancouver. You can set up an account by registering online or contacting customer service. You’ll need your new address, move-in date, and identification. Depending on your credit history, a deposit may be necessary.

Water

Water services are managed by the City of Vancouver. These services are often automatically activated when you set up your BC Hydro account, as the city coordinates with BC Hydro for billing purposes. Water charges are included in your municipal utility bill.

Bins and recycling

The City of Vancouver oversees waste collection and recycling services. Garbage and recycling bins are provided by the city, and collection schedules can be found on the city’s website. If bins are not present when you move in, contact the city’s waste management department.

Useful links

• BC Hydro
• FortisBC Gas
• MetroVancouver Water
• City of Vancouver Waste Disposal and Recycling