Housing Education
We understand that the rental process can be intimidating, so we’ve compiled some resources to make the process easier. We hope you find them helpful and please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need more help navigating the rental process.
Online Course
We recommend taking the Renting It Right course, as it provides valuable information and tips on renting in Nanaimo, this course can also be useful if you don't have references from previous landlords.
Downloadable Checklists - by TAPS
Move-in Checklist
Move-out Checklist
Video Resources
How to Rent Without Regrets WATCH NOW
Description: Looking for housing this fall? Watch How to Rent Without Regrets before you sign anything. This pre-recorded video provided by TAPS Nanaimo covers key topics like tenancy agreements, lease types, illegal clauses, and roommates—everything you need to rent with confidence.
Signed the Lease, Now What? COMING SOON
Description: Ready to move in? Watch this first. This pre-recorded video provided by TAPS Nanaimo walks you through everything you need to know for a smooth move-in: pre-move checklists, condition inspection reports, landlord responsibilities, and your rights when it comes to maintenance, privacy, and safety.
Support Resources for Housing and Tenancy Issues
The resources below are here to support you if you’re facing challenges before, during, or after your tenancy—whether it’s understanding your rights, navigating legal concerns, dealing with financial hardship, or seeking safe housing options.
Provincial Resource:
British Columbia Residential Tenancies website — hosted by the Ministry of Housing and the Residential Tenancy Branch — serves as the definitive source for both renters and landlords throughout the entire lifecycle of a tenancy, from move-in to move-out.
Campus Resources:
While students are responsible for finding and securing their own rental, Off-Campus Housing at VIU offers support to help you on your search of finding housing in Nanaimo by providing you with useful resources, tips, and local insights to make the process easier. Want to connect? Reach out through the contact form or book a meeting to get started!
Students’ Union Legal Assistance Plan: Your Students’ Union Health & Dental Plan offers timely, cost-effective access to experienced lawyers to guide you through most major types of law, including for landlords & tenants.
Call toll-free 1-877-333-3884 available 24/7
Non-Profit / Community Resources:
Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC) is a non-profit organization that provides free legal education, representation, and advocacy on residential tenancy matters. A leader in tenants’ rights since 1984, TRAC’s mandate is to enhance legal protections for all tenants living in British Columbia.
BC Rent Bank: When times are tough and you can’t pay your rent or utilities, Rent Bank can help. Regardless of where you live in the province, you can access a rent bank and its support services to help stabilize your rental housing during unanticipated short-term financial challenges.
Together Against Poverty Society (TAPS) is a legal advocacy service in Nanaimo serving residents located between Ladysmith to Parksville, and adjacent Gulf Islands. If you need residential tenancy support, income assistance support, or persons with disability (PWD) application assistance, make an appointment to speak with an advocate.
Contact their main phone line at 250-824-0995 or email nanaimo@tapsbc.ca.
Poverty Advocacy Nanaimo (PAN) is a local non‑profit organization dedicated to supporting low‑income residents in Nanaimo—particularly those facing housing insecurity—by offering resource coordination and housing advocacy services.
Ask an Advocate offer advice and support for income assistance, disability assistance and tenancy and housing.
Nanaimo Youth Services Association - Housing Centre: The intent of Nanaimo’s Youth Housing Centre is to provide safe, supportive and/or affordable housing and personal development options to youth between the ages of 16 and 25 years old
Here2Talk - Here2Talk connects students with mental health support when they need it. Through this program, all students – domestic or international – currently registered in a B.C. post-secondary institution have access to free, confidential counselling and community referral services, conveniently available 24/7 via app, phone and web. www.here2talk.ca
Canada-wide toll free, dial: 1-877-857-3397
Canada-wide direct, dial: 604-642-5212
Finding Rental Properties:
**Off-campus accommodation is not checked by VIUSU for quality or legitimacy. VIUSU is not a part of any off-campus housing agreement. For tips on how to understand your agreement, check out the Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre: Tenancy Agreements.
Places to search listings include:
Facebook Pages & Groups:
Nanaimo Rentals Facebook, Nanaimo rentals Facebook, Nanaimo Housing Rentals Facebook, Nanaimo BC Rental Properties Facebook, Nanaimo 4 Rent Facebook, Nanaimo Real Estate For Sale or Rent Facebook, Nanaimo PET FRIENDLY ONLY rentals! Facebook,
Other Sites:
Places4Students
Sun Porch Homes
Student Accommodation One
Off-Campus Housing
Qdb
Used Nanaimo Rentals,
Search4StudentHousing
Apartment Love
RentFaster
Rent Seeker
RentBoard
Kijiji,
Craigslist
Cold Moon Student House
and local property management companies.
Looking for a Roommate(s)?
Facebook groups (listed above)
VIU Student Union (VIUSU) app
Roomies.ca
Places4Students
Beware of Scams
It is always best to view a property in person before signing a contract or handing over any money. If a landlord is asking for a security deposit before you have viewed the property, it is a good idea to be cautious and do some research on the landlord or agency to ensure they are legitimate. Additionally, make sure the contract is fair and covers all the important details like the rental amount, rental period, and any additional fees. Doing your due diligence can help to minimize the risk of a scam. Consider booking local temporary accommodation while you search. We appreciate the need to secure housing. If you are signing and sending money in advance, you can:
check the overall listing quality and language
avoid listings that are noticeably cheaper than the local average
check the address and postal code of the listing
do a Google search of the property and the landlord
ask for the landlord's ID and a recent utility bill from the address
get a contract (where applicable)
view the property in-person before signing a lease (or get a video viewing or a friend in town to visit)
do not advance more than is reasonable
only pay in $CAD