Housing

Vancouver’s vacancies usually open 1 month in advance. About 1 month before your desired rental start date, we check accommodations with our landlord contacts. This takes about 1 week. We then compile a list of available units for your specific rental date.

We begin emailing options to applicants once an available unit list is compiled. You will receive a housing offer email with a confirmation deadline. We ask that you confirm as soon as possible as the rental market in Vancouver is very tight. Once approved by the landlord, you will be sent an email with payment amounts for the first month of rent and the security deposit.

• Address
• Roommates (if applicable)
• Rent amount
• Lease start date
• Photos
• Landlord’s application (if applicable): unit number, rent, lease start date

VFS Housing provides no pre-accommodation services. Students are required to make their own arrangements upon arrival to Vancouver, and prior to the start of their tenancy date. Also, many attractions and events take place in Vancouver, so accommodations can quickly become unavailable. Students are recommended to book accommodations for any dates before their tenancy begins as soon as their arrival date in Vancouver is confirmed.

If you require housing, please let us know as soon as possible. Note that Housing Services are subject to availability. The earlier you inform us of your needs, the more options you can be provided.

VFS Housing Services are only for students (international or domestic) 19 years of age and older. Student minors cannot legally sign tenant agreements with landlords and rental management companies.

Full acceptance to Vancouver Film School is first necessary to apply for housing. The VFS Housing Department begins contacting students 2 months prior to the program's start date. Once the housing email inquiry is received, please inform us if you require housing immediately.

Under 19 years old?

VFS Students under 19 years of age are considered “minors” in the province of B.C. and must be cared for by an adult. Minor-aged International students require a custodian. For information about custodianship, click here. Minor-aged VFS Students can choose to stay in homestay or find accommodations on their own.

Vancouver’s rental costs vary depending on the location, size, and condition of an accommodation. Rent begins on the 1st day of the month. Apartments normally come unfurnished, aside from a stove and fridge. Heat and hot water are typically included with rent, while electricity, Internet, TV and Phone Services often carry extra fees.

Can I find accommodations close to campus?

Vancouver has many housing options. Accommodations can be found within walking distances and up to 30 minute bus or Skytrain rides. Closer locations to VFS are typically more expensive. Use TransLink’s website for up-to-date transit routes and schedules. www.translink.ca.

Check the link below in order to view price trends in the Metro Vancouver housing market.

https://www.padmapper.com/apartments/vancouver-bc

1. Email housing@vfs.com
2. Send a $350 Housing Fee Payment through credit card (Visa, MasterCard or American Express), wire transfer, or direct transfer to your VFS account.

• One (1) housing consultation.
• Up to 3 housing options supplied including photos of the accommodations offered to you.
• Information on housing regulations.
• Representation—VFS Housing staff works with the Landlord and supplies them with all necessary documentation and information.
• Tenancy and/or Lease Agreement exchange support.
• Receipt and delivery of your security deposit and first month’s rent to secure your accommodation (should you choose to pay through us).
• Coordination for move in.