Micro living spaces gaining in popularity in Vancouver

Micro living spaces are popping up for rent in locations all over downtown Vancouver.

Rooms that are 100 to 150 square feet in size are being rented for around $500 a month, and more are being posted online every day. Some range from rooms in homes with no windows, while others are very small apartments that share bathrooms with others on the same floor.

Mitchell Cal, creator of the Pricey Pads website, said he first noticed these listings after looking through ads on Craigslist.

“I started seeing these closet spaces,” he said. “More and more came up and I couldn’t believe it.”

Many of the listed rooms in larger apartments share the living room, bathroom and kitchen with other renters. They also often include WiFi, water, power and laundry facilities.

Craigslist: $600/Month / 565 Smithe Street, Vancouver

In addition, the majority are all located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, close to bars, restaurants, transit and other amenities.

With real estate prices out of reach for the average citizen in Vancouver, some are resorting to renting pricey closets.  This quaint den/closet is offered at $600/Month with everything included (hydro, internet, & heat).  Do closets even have heat registers?  You’ll also have access to the living room, kitchen, and bathroom in case you get a little stir crazy.

Cal, who listed some of the photos on his blog, said in his opinion, if people are willing to pay for these small spaces, then more of them are going to become available.

“I think it’s the money issue,” he said. “You’re going to save $500 to $1,000 dollars” over renting a full-sized apartment.

BELOW (From Craigslist): $490/Month / TV Towers on Robson Street, Vancouver

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