For Rent Real Estate Sign In Front of a Row of Apartment Condominiums Balconies and Garage Doors.

Off-Campus Housing Options

    Finding accommodations in another country requires time to research and understand what your options are. The rules for tenants renting in British Columbia are specific and need to be understood. You can find more information below and are encouraged to attend a pre-departure orientation session to learn more.


    Off-campus Housing Partner

    Happipad

    College of the Rockies is partnered with Happipad to support your search for off-campus housing that meets your needs. Happipad will match you with compatible homeowners in the area and you will be supported throughout the entire experience from when your search begins right up until move-out day. Nervous about renting from strangers? Happipad has several measures in place designed to protect you, including flexible terms, a contract, background checks, and insurance options.


    Tenant Survival Guide

    For many students, this will be your first time living away from home, which means there is lots to learn. Tenancy rights and responsibilities are different in every province in Canada. It is important to be familiar with the rules of British Columbia.

    Some topics to familiarize yourself with include:

    • What a tenancy agreement or lease is
    • How you pay your rent
    • Your rights to enjoy your accommodations (noise, smoking, guests)
    • Your responsibilities as a tenant (maintenance, repairs, roommates)
    • What to do when you want to move out

    You can find lots of information in the Tenant Survival Guide provided by the Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre.

    Tenant/Renters Insurance

    Tenant insurance (also called renters insurance) is a type of insurance policy that protects people who rent their home, such as an apartment, condo, or house. It typically covers three main things:

    1. Personal Property Coverage – Protects your belongings (like furniture, electronics, and clothing) against risks like theft, fire, water damage, and vandalism.
    2. Liability Coverage – Covers you if someone gets injured in your rental unit or if you accidentally cause damage to someone else’s property (e.g., if a fire in your unit spreads to a neighbour’s unit).
    3. Additional Living Expenses – Helps pay for temporary housing and other costs if your rental becomes unlivable due to an insured event (like a fire or flood).

    In British Columbia, it typically costs $15.00 to $30.00 a month. A quick search of the internet will provide you with many options. It is worth investigating what policy works best for you.

    Resources for your Accommodation Search

    Transportation in Cranbrook/Kimberley: