Subletting

If you live in Year Round Housing, you can apply to sublet your room to other eligible UBC students during the summer (May–August).

Live in Acadia Park? You have different sublet guidelines.

On this page

Important terms

UBC Contract Holder

The person who has the contract with UBC and is offering their room as a sublet.

Sublessee

The person who is renting the room from the UBC contract holder.

Notice: Change to Winter Session sublets policy

Starting September 1, 2025, sublets during the Winter Session (September–April) are no longer permitted.

This important change will help us address the growing challenge of sublet scams, as well as unauthorized and sometimes overpriced sublets, which can negatively affect waitlists and housing affordability for students.

If you are planning a Co-op or Exchange term during the upcoming Winter Session, learn more about this change and your options.

Apply for a sublet

  1. Make sure it’s an eligible sublet
  2. Submit your sublet application

1. Make sure it’s an eligible sublet

Check out the eligibility criteria below, including criteria for academic session, sublet length, start and end dates, and sublessee.

Is the sublet in an eligible residence?

  • Brock Commons
  • Exchange
  • Fraser Hall
  • Iona House
  • Marine Drive
  • Ponderosa Commons
  • tÉ™ Å¡xÊ·hÉ™lelÉ™mÌ“s tÉ™ kÌ“Ê·aƛ̓kʷəʔaʔɬ
  • Thunderbird
UBC sublet forum
Find someone to sublet your room or find a room to sublet.

Visit the forum on Facebook>

Is the sublet an eligible length?

  • Minimum sublet length: 30 days
  • Maximum sublet length: 4 months

Is the sublet during an eligible session?

Contract holders can apply to sublet their room during the Summer Session (May–August), and the sublet arrangement must meet all applicable eligibility criteria.

Contract holders are not eligible to sublet rooms during the Winter Session (September–April).

The contract holder must remain enrolled as a full-time UBC student for the duration of the sublet.

Is the sublet within eligible start and end dates?

For contract holders who are remaining in the same unit for 2025/26, summer sublets may start no earlier than April 15, 2025 and end no later than September 4, 2025.

For contract holders who are moving into the unit for 2025/26, summer sublets may start no earlier than May 5, 2025 and end no later than September 4, 2025.

Is the sublessee (the renter) eligible?

  • The sublessee must be in good standing with Student Housing and Community Services (e.g., in good financial standing, no current evictions or no denial of visiting privileges).
  • The sublessee must meet the age requirement for the residence and room type.
  • The sublessee cannot also hold a contract, during the same time period, in any residence operated by UBC Student Housing.
  • For shared, single-gender units only: a sublessee who identifies as a man or woman may sublet in a unit where the majority of residents match their gender identity; a sublessee who identifies as Trans or Non-binary may sublet in a unit with residents whose gender they feel most comfortable with. For any questions, please contact residence.sublet@ubc.ca.
  • During the sublet term, the sublessee must be either:
    • a current, full-time UBC student—registered in credit-based courses (minimum 6 credits) or a graduate program—during the sublet term.
    • a person who was a full-time UBC student in Winter Session, Term 2.
    • a UBC student currently employed by a UBC department in a research capacity.*
    • a student from another university performing research directed by a UBC department.*

*The contract holder should provide supporting documentation with the sublet application.

The contract holder and the sublessee must each continue to meet all applicable eligibility criteria to live in residence.

Please email us if you have any questions about eligibility.

Sublessees: avoid sublet scams

Be aware of fraudulent sublet offers—especially offers on non-UBC websites or apps, such as Facebook, Craigslist, Whatsapp, WeChat, Discord, etc.

Red flags:

  • the price seems too good to be true
  • they request advance payment (before you’re able to see the property)
  • they request a cash-only payment
  • they request a cash security deposit or wire transfer

Before you begin, know how to avoid scams.

Not sure if a sublet is legitimate? Contact us for assistance.

If you are concerned that a sublet offer might be fraudulent, or to simply confirm details before proceeding, please contact the Student Housing Main Office.

Please be ready to provide the following information:

  • The address, including the room/unit number, for the sublet offer/listing.
  • The name of the person you have been in contact with about the sublet.
  • The place where you found the sublet offer/listing (i.e., Facebook group, Craigslist, Whatsapp, WeChat, etc.) and the direct URL/link, if possible.
  • A screenshot of the offer/listing details may also be helpful.

While we are unable to release information about a contract holder, we will be able to verify whether or not the particular room/unit/address in the sublet offer or listing exists in a residence building and offer additional support and resources to help you mitigate your risk.

2. Submit your sublet application

Applications must be submitted at least 5 business days in advance of the requested occupancy date. Submitting your application early does not guarantee it will be approved.

At peak periods, due to the volume of applications and related inquiries, it takes much longer for applications to be reviewed. Therefore, it is best to submit your application much earlier than 5 business days in advance.

Please note that sending repeated emails will only add to the volume of inquiries and result in longer overall wait times for applications to be reviewed.

To increase the likelihood that your application may be approved as quickly as possible, we recommend that you double check that your application meets each and every eligibility requirement outlined above in section 1.

Applications must be submitted by the UBC Contract Holder, not the sublessee (renter).

Apply online

Apply between March and July each year for Summer Session sublets.

Apply

Do I need a sublet agreement?

Definitely. The UBC contract holder and sublessee should have a written agreement that outlines the details of the arrangement.

Items to discuss and include in your agreement
  • Full names, signatures and contract date. Each party should keep a copy of the contract.
  • The start and end dates of the sublease.
  • How much rent is, when it is due and how it should be paid.
  • What the residence standards are. Sublessees must abide by residence standards rules, the same as contract holders. Failure to adhere could jeopardize the contract holder’s ability to live in residence.
  • If you are subletting a shared unit, discuss expectations around roommates and cleaning/maintenance. The contract holder is financially responsible for failure to pass unit inspections during the term of after move-out.
  • Contract holders: consider requiring the sublessee to pay a damage deposit, which is a sum of money—no more than a half month’s rent—that you hold until the end of the sublease term in case property is damaged by the sublessee. Normal “wear and tear” is acceptable, but if damage occurs, you can use the damage deposit (or a portion of it) to cover the costs of the repair. You must pay any remainder, or the full damage deposit—when there is no damage—back to the sublessee within 15 days of the end of the sublease.
Sample Subletting Agreement

Copy the sample agreement below, paste it into a text document (e.g., Microsoft Word or Google docs), print it and sign it. Both the UBC contract holder and the sublessee should keep digital or print copies.

Sample Sublet Agreement

This agreement is made for the sublease of a/an <describe the type (i.e., Studio)> residence unit between the UBC Contract Holder, <insert name of UBC contract holder>, and the Sublessee, <insert name of student subletting/renting the unit>, made on <insert date>. The residence unit is located at <insert full address>.

The subleased premise is to be used for residential purposes only. It may not be lent to or used by a person other than the approved sublessee or used for short-term rental services like Airbnb.

Duration

The Sublessee will take possession on <insert date> at <insert time> and vacate the premises by <insert date> at <insert time>.

Payment

The Sublessee will pay the UBC Contract Holder $<insert cost> per month, on the <insert number (i.e., first)> day of each month.

If rent is not received by the <insert number (i.e., first> day of each month, a $<insert cost> late fee will be added to the amount of rent due.

Rent is to be paid by <e-transfer, cheque, or money order>, made payable to <insert full name>, and should be mailed to <insert address>.

Security Deposit

The Sublessee will also pay the UBC Contract Holder a security deposit of $<insert cost>. At the end of sublease period, the UBC Contract Holder will examine the condition of the premises. Costs for any damage to the premises caused by the Sublessee (beyond normal wear and tear) will be deducted from the security deposit. The remainder, or the full damage deposit – when there is no damage – will be paid back to the sublessee within 15 days of the end of the sublease. The UBC Contract Holder may also use the security deposit, or a portion of it, in cases where the Sublessee has unpaid rent or outstanding late payment fees.

Residence Standards

The Sublessee must live and behave according to UBC’s Residence Standards and the Residence Contract. If the Sublessee contravenes any of the policies and regulations, the UBC Contract Holder has the right to provide notice of the complaint and request remediation of the situation by a specific date. If the Sublessee does not resolve or remediate the situation to the satisfaction of the UBC Contract Holder, the Contract Holder has the right to terminate the agreement with two weeks’ notice.

This sublet agreement is only valid if Student Housing and Hospitality Services has approved the sublet.

UBC Contract Holder <insert UBC Contract Holder’s typed name and signature>
<insert date>

Sublessee <insert Sublessee’s typed name and signature>
<insert date>

After the sublet is approved

Who pays the rent to UBC?

  • The sublessee pays rent to the UBC contract holder at the agreed upon rate.
  • The UBC contract holder continues to pay rent and fees to UBC Student Housing according to their contract.

How do we exchange keys?

You need to exchange keys at the front desk of the residence where the sublet is occurring.

There are two ways:

A. Visit the front desk together

Both the UBC contract holder and the sublessee visit the residence front desk together to exchange keys.

B. Visit the front desk individually

  • Current Year-Round contract holders: leave keys at the residence front desk for the sublessee to pick up before you leave campus.
  • New Year-Round contract holders: sign your new residence contract at your new residence front desk, then leave keys for the sublessee to pick up.
Sublessees: you must bring government-issued photo ID to receive the keys.

Can the sublessee receive mail?

Yes. All registered sublessees can receive mail in your mailbox during their stay. If applicable, you will need to supply them with your mailbox key.

What if the sublessee loses the keys?

If the sublessee loses the unit, room or mailbox keys, the front desk can provide them with a new set, if they formally checked-in as outlined above. The contract holder will be charged a fee for a replacement key on their Student Housing account.

Residence Standards violations

If the sublessee violates any residence standards, the UBC contract holder may face consequences for their sublessee’s actions. Contract holders are responsible for the behaviour and actions of their sublessee throughout the tenancy.

UBC Co-op or Exchange terms during the Winter Session (September–April)

Effective September 1, 2025, sublets during the Winter Session (September–April) are no longer be permitted—even for students who are going on a UBC Co-op or Exchange term.

This important change helps us address the growing challenge of sublet scams as well as unauthorized and sometimes overpriced sublets, which can negatively affect waitlists and housing affordability for students.

If you are a current or future resident and you are planning to go on a UBC Co-op or Exchange term during the Winter Session (September–April), we recognize the impact not being able to sublet may have for you.

To help you manage costs and maintain housing security, we recommend that you cancel your contract and move out of housing for the duration of your Co-op or Exchange—and then we will guarantee a place for you in residence when you return.

Please note we will make every effort to place you in the same residence and room type when you return from your Co-op or Exchange. However, the guarantee is for any space in residence and your assignment will depend on availability. Find more information below.

Steps you need to take

Take these steps to cancel your contract and receive a guaranteed space in residence starting after your Co-op or Exchange term.

  1. Cancel your contract by the appropriate deadline.
  2. Let us know you’re going on Co-op or Exchange and provide the dates.
  3. Re-apply for Year Round Housing
  4. Move out of housing for the duration of your Co-op or Exchange.
  5. Request a guaranteed space in residence starting in the following term.
New housing applicants: what steps to take

If you have applied for Year Round housing and you are planning a Co-op or Exchange, we encourage you to update your requested contract start date on your application to account for the dates of your Co-op or Exchange.

The steps you should take depends on:

  • your current housing start date request.
  • when your Co-op or Exchange term begins.
  • Whether or not you need housing between those dates.

For example:

  • If you requested a May start date, your Co-op/Exchange term begins in September, and you do not need housing for the summer, you should update your application to a start date after your Co-op/Exchange term ends.
  • Or if you requested a May start date, your Co-op/Exchange term begins in September, and you do need housing for the summer, you should update your application to a start date after your Co-op/Exchange term ends and apply for Summer Housing.

If your situation does not match the scenarios outlined above or you are uncertain about your options, please email information@housing.ubc.ca for guidance.

1. Cancel your contract by the appropriate deadline

  • Co-op/Exchange starting in May: you are eligible to sublet and do not need to cancel your contract.
  • Co-op/Exchange starting in September—and you do not need housing for the summer: decline your new contract offer when you receive it (typically in mid-February) or submit your cancellation request via the SHCS Online Service Centre by April 1 (for move-out by the end of April).
  • Co-op/Exchange starting in September—and you will continue living in your current room for the summer: submit your cancellation request via the SHCS Online Service Centre by June 30.
  • Co-op/Exchange starting in January: submit your cancellation request via the SHCS Online Service Centre by October 31.

2. Let us know you’re going on Co-op or Exchange

Once you’ve submitted your cancellation request, promptly email us at information@housing.ubc.ca to:

  • Let us know you’re going on Co-op or Exchange.
  • Provide the dates of your Co-op or Exchange.

3. Re-apply for Year Round Housing

Submit a new application for Year Round Housing via the SHCS Online Service Centre.

  • Indicate an occupancy date for the start of the term following your Co-op or Exchange.
  • Please rank your residence and room preferences; however, a reminder that we will only be able to guarantee a space in residence, not a specific residence or room type.

4. Move out of housing for the duration of your Co-op or Exchange

Once your cancellation is processed, you’ll receive your move-out date. You’ll need to fully vacate your unit and follow the Mindful Move Out procedures.

5. Request a guaranteed space in residence starting in the following term

To formally request a guaranteed space in the term after your Co-op or Exchange, email us at information@housing.ubc.ca no later than two months prior to the end of your Co-op or Exchange term to provide or confirm your return date. However, earlier notice is appreciated.

Deadlines

  • For a Co-op/Exchange ending in December: to request a new contract starting in January, please let us know by October 31.
  • For a Co-op/Exchange ending in April: to request a new contract starting in May, please let us know by February 28.

What if my Co-op/Exchange ends in April, but I won’t be on-campus until September?

If your Co-op or Exchange term ends in April, but you were not intending to return to campus until September, to retain your housing guarantee you will need to accept a new contract starting in May. You are then welcome to sublet during the Summer Session.

What if my Co-op/Exchange is eight months long, from January to August. Am I eligible for a guaranteed space?

If your Co-op or Exchange term is eight months long, and runs from January to August, to retain your housing guarantee you will need to request and accept a new contract starting in May, while you are on your Co-op or Exchange. You are then welcome to sublet during the Summer Session.

For example, if your Co-op or Exchange begins in January 2026 and ends in August 2026, you must request and start a new contract beginning in May 2026.

To request a new contract starting in May, please let us know by February 28.

What if I am not able to provide two months’ notice?

If you are unable to provide us a minimum two months’ notice, we will still do our best to offer you a new housing contract, but we cannot guarantee one, since it depends on the availability at that time.

Additional Winter Session Co-op/Exchange FAQs

What does the guarantee of housing include?

As noted above, this guarantee is for any space in residence. While we will make every effort to offer you the same residence and room type when you return, your assignment will depend on availability.

The guarantee is only valid if you:

  • Follow all applicable steps, notably re-applying for housing (step 3) and contacting us to request a guaranteed space by the applicable deadline (step 5).
  • Accept a contract starting in the term immediately following your Co-op or Exchange term. For example, if you complete your Co-op or Exchange term in April, you will need to accept a contract starting in May to receive the guarantee.

Can students going on Co-op or Exchange during the Summer Session (May–August) also cancel their contract and receive a guarantee for housing?

No, this option is only available to students participating in a Co-op or Exchange term during the Winter Session. Students participating in a Co-op or Exchange term during the Summer Session are eligible to sublet instead.

What if I just need Summer Session housing after I return?

If you’re returning from your Co-op or Exchange and just require housing until after the spring convocation or the end of the Summer Session, please let us know so we can assign you to Summer Session housing, rather than a Year Round space.

Can I keep my current contract while I’m away instead?

You can continue to hold your current contract and pay fees while you are on Co-op or Exchange during the Winter Session. However, a reminder that you are not eligible to sublet, and we would strongly encourage you to cancel your contract and request the housing guarantee, so we can provide housing for another student while you are away.

Questions?

If you have any additional questions that not answered above, please contact us as follows:

Emails are reviewed in the order that they are received.