Housing Checklist

Checklist for Students Searching for Housing

Looking for housing in Victoria? Use our checklist to guide you through the process and help you find safe, reliable, and affordable accommodations.

Before Searching for Housing:

  • Determine Your Budget – Consider rent, utilities, internet, and other costs.
  • Identify Preferred Locations – Consider proximity to UVic, transit, and amenities.
  • Decide on Housing Type – Shared housing, apartments, or homestays.
  • Check Rental Market Trends – Look at rental prices to avoid overpaying.

Prepare Rental Documents – International students without local credit history may need alternative proof of funds, such as a UVic enrolment letter, scholarship documentation, or a Canadian bank statement.

Finding & Evaluating Listings:

  • Use Trusted Platforms – Facebook (UVIC Off-Camus Housing and UVIC Off-Campus Group), Craigslist, Places4Students
  • Watch for Red Flags in Listings:
    • Rent that seems too low for the area.
    • Listings with no photos or stock images.
    • Landlords requesting upfront deposits before a lease is signed.
    • Poorly written ads with odd phrasing or vague details.

Verify the Landlord & Property – Use to check legitimacy.

During Communication with Landlords:

  • Always request a video call or in-person viewing before committing.
  • Ask key questions:
    • What is included in the rent? (Utilities, internet, laundry?)
    • What are the lease terms? (Fixed-term or month-to-month?)
    • Are there any house rules (guests, noise, pets, etc.)?
    • Can you sublet your room if you have to go home for a long break?
    • Is the lease renewable?

Avoid sending money before seeing the place – Scammers often ask for deposits via e-transfer before a visit.

Before Signing a Lease:

  • Carefully read the rental agreement – Check for hidden fees, tenant responsibilities, and lease duration.
  • Confirm what happens if you need to break the lease early.
  • Get everything in writing – Verbal agreements are risky.

Take photos of the unit before moving in – Document any existing damages.

Signs of an Illegal Rental or Unsafe Living Conditions:

Some landlords may rent out spaces that do not meet legal safety standards. Be cautious if:

  • No proper windows in bedrooms – Every bedroom must have at least one window that can be used as an emergency exit.
  • Mold, pests, or water damage – These can pose serious health risks.
  • Overcrowding – If too many people are living in the unit beyond safe limits.
  • No proper lease agreement – A landlord refusing to provide a written lease can be a red flag.
  • No access to kitchen, bathroom, or other essential facilities – Tenants have the right to access basic amenities.

If you are unsure whether a unit is legal, you can contact the City of Victoria’s Bylaw Office to check its zoning and legality.

When Your Landlord is Acting Unfairly:

  • Know Your Rights – Tenants in BC are protected by the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA). You can review your rights at the Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC).
  • Document Everything – Keep copies of your lease, messages, photos of damages, and any communication with your landlord.
  • Request Repairs in Writing – If something needs fixing, send a formal written request. Landlords are legally required to maintain the rental unit in a livable condition.
  • Illegal Rent Increases – Rent can only be raised once per year and must follow BC’s annual rent increase limit (check the BC Government website for the current percentage).
  • If Your Landlord Enters Without Notice – They must provide 24-hour written notice before entering your unit, except in emergencies.
  • Dealing with Discrimination – If you suspect a landlord is refusing to rent to you based on race, visa status, or nationality:
  • Keep records of all communications.
  • Test bias by inquiring under a different name/email.

Report to BC Human Rights Tribunal (1-888-440-8844)

If You’re Living in an Illegal Suite:

  • Some basement suites or subdivided units are rented illegally (e.g., without proper zoning or safety requirements).
  • If you are evicted suddenly because the unit is illegal, you may be entitled to compensation or extended notice. Contact the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) for advice.

If the unit is unsafe (e.g., no exits, mold, electrical issues, etc.), report it to the City of Victoria Bylaw Office or call BC Housing’s Tenant Assistance Hotline at 604-433-2218.

How to Get Help for Housing Disputes:

  • Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) – The main government office for landlord-tenant disputes. You can file complaints or apply for dispute resolution if your landlord is violating your rights. Call 1-800-665-8779 or visit the RTB website.
  • Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC) – Offers free legal information and resources for tenants. Visit TRAC’s website for tenant guides and legal support.