If you're a newcomer or international student arriving in Vancouver, finding long-term accommodation can be a daunting task. Thankfully, there are several apps that can help you find the perfect place to call home. Here's a rundown of the best ones to use:
First up, we've got Craigslist. It's pretty much the go-to platform for finding apartments and rooms for rent in Vancouver, we have actually talked about it many times before. One of the best things about Craigslist is that there are a ton of options at different price points, so you're likely to find something that fits your budget. Plus, their multiple filters will help you find exactly what you need! Just make sure to watch out for scammers and do your research before signing any leases.
Next on the list is PadMapper, which is another popular app for finding rentals. The cool thing about PadMapper is that it pulls listings from multiple rental websites, so you can quickly and easily find apartments and houses that fit your criteria. Just like with Craigslist, be careful of scammers trying to pull a fast one on you ⚠️(like, seriously, be careful out there! ok?)
Zumper is another great rental app that offers alerts for new listings, which can be super helpful if you're in a time crunch. You can find apartments, condos, and houses for rent in Vancouver using Zumper. Remember, always do your research and ask plenty of questions before signing a lease.
Rentfaster is a Canadian rental app that offers both short-term and long-term rentals, making it a great option for international students who need temporary housing while they get settled in Vancouver. The only disadvantage we see tho is the amount of listings they offer, it’s not as populated as Craigslist or Facebook marketplace for example.
Finally, we've got Kijiji, which is another popular online classifieds platform in Canada. With Kijiji, you can find apartments and rooms for rent in Vancouver and even contact landlords directly through the app (which we think is the best part!). Just be sure to keep your guard up and don't get tricked by scammers, like with any of the above-mentioned platforms.
And there you have it - the top rental apps for newcomers and international students in Vancouver! We hope these apps make your search for long-term accommodation a little easier. But remember, finding a home is not just about swiping left or right on your phone. Sometimes, the best way to find accommodation is by talking to other students in your community. If you want to connect with other newcomers and international students in Vancouver, join our Slack community today. There, you can share tips, ask for advice, and even find a potential roommate or two. Happy house hunting, Thrivvers! 🧡