This “Micro-Studio” on Craigslist Is Basically a Bathroom with a Bed Inside
Here at Apartment Therapy, we’re all about utilizing small spaces, but one Craigslist user in Vancouver took things a step further.
In a since-deleted post, the user tried renting out a 160 square foot “micro studio“, which was technically true, but the space only consisted of a bathroom–with a bed inside it.
The listing read: “This unit is ideal for a single individual looking to live downtown at an affordable rate, and who does not need much space.”
As Vancouver is notorious for being a pricey place to call home–the city has been dubbed the “most expensive place to live in Canada” in Mercer’s 2021 Cost of Living survey–the listing in question is on the cheaper side of the spectrum. The asking price for the property was CA$680 ($546) per month and it was available to rent from Aug. 1. According to Zumper, the average monthly rent for a studio apartment in West End Vancouver is CA$1700 ($1365).
Combining the bathroom with a bed, cooking facilities, under-bed storage, and some house plants for good measure, the listing described the rental unit as a “newly renovated micro studio” located in Vancouver’s West End, and packed a lot into such a tiny space.
The ad also mentioned brand new granite tops and porcelain flooring, along with storage space, a hot plate, a bed, a mini-fridge, and a large window.
The listing suggested that the renter would be on a three-month lease, with the option to extend, and no pets would be allowed in the property.
Guidelines from the Vancouver Planning, Urban Design and Sustainability Department state that a micro dwelling for one inhabitant can be “relaxed” to 250 square feet. Additionally, the policy states that bathrooms must be physically separated from the remainder of the unit by partitions and a door to ensure privacy, and to isolate noise and odors.
There’s no denying that the Craigslist user was creative with their space, but as guidelines were not followed, it’s no surprise that just a few days after the listing went live, it was removed from the site.
For some inspo on how to make the most of your own small space, check out Small/Cool winners, Courtney and Jules’, 248 square foot New York City studio.