Overview of 7708 Sparbrook
Located in Burnaby, British Columbia, 7708 Sparbrook is a student housing option near Simon Fraser University. The residence offers non-ensuite rooms and apartments, with monthly rents ranging from CAD 900 to CAD 1,250. The building provides laundry facilities and Wi‑Fi. However, the property is currently listed as not available for new bookings. This review examines whether this residence might suit your needs, what past residents have reported, and how its pricing compares to the local market.
Who This Residence Suits
7708 Sparbrook may appeal to students who need a short‑lease option (9‑month minimum) and are comfortable with a non‑ensuite room (shared bathroom) or a self‑contained apartment. The property is within commuting distance of Simon Fraser University, making it a practical choice for someone who prioritises location over amenities. The base rent for a non‑ensuite room starts at CAD 900 per month, which is above the city’s lowest‑priced student housing (CAD 500) but still within a moderate range for Burnaby.
Students who are willing to accept a building with modest upkeep and who can verify all terms in writing before committing may find this residence suitable if it becomes available again.
Who This Residence Does Not Suit
Based on resident reviews, 7708 Sparbrook is unlikely to suit anyone who values cleanliness, security, or transparent communication. Several guests reported that rooms were not properly maintained, that windows lacked locks or screens, and that the building had an odour of cigarette smoke. Unclear billing practices and unexpected charges were also mentioned. If you need a safe, well‑maintained environment and want clear upfront pricing, this residence should be approached with caution — or avoided until the operator addresses these issues.
The property is currently tagged as “not available,” so it may not be an option for immediate booking. Students who need guaranteed availability or prefer newer, professionally managed buildings should look elsewhere.
What Residents Actually Say
The residence has a Google rating of 3.1 from 192 reviews. The three reviews provided by the data source are all critical. Here they are verbatim:
“I had a very disappointing experience with this accommodation. The place was not properly maintained upon arrival, and the cleanliness did not meet basic expectations. Communication was also stressful and unprofessional. Even a short delay was treated with additional charges, which was not clearly explained beforehand.” — baz us (rating 1)
“I had a very disappointing experience with this place. Communication was unclear and delayed, which caused a lot of stress and inconvenience on my arrival. I had to wait and repeatedly follow up just to get access. On top of that, there were unexpected requests for extra payment that were not agreed on beforehand, whic” — Rose (rating 1)
“Sketchy building, sketchy rooms, as soon as we walked into the front door it stunk of cigarettes. The window wouldn’t lock/close and had no screen, and our room was on the first floor so anyone could just come in the window. Absolutely not what it looks like on the website. For how much we payed ($130 for ONE NIGHT) th” — Rachel Cunningham (rating 1)
These reviews highlight three recurring problems: poor maintenance, vague communication, and surprise fees. The reference to CAD 130 for one night suggests that short‑term nightly rates were much higher than the monthly equivalent (approximately CAD 3,900 per month if extended). The monthly prices listed (CAD 900–1,250) may apply only to longer leases, but the review indicates a mismatch between advertised and actual billing.
Price Positioning vs the City’s From‑Price
Burnaby’s student housing market has a starting price of CAD 500 per month for the cheapest shared or non‑ensuite room across approximately 60 properties. 7708 Sparbrook’s minimum of CAD 900 is nearly double that floor. While a CAD 900 rent is not unusual for Burnaby — many purpose‑built student residences fall in the CAD 800–1,200 range — the value proposition is weakened by the reported condition of the building.
The maximum listed price for 7708 Sparbrook is CAD 1,250 for an apartment unit. At that level, students can find comparable or better‑rated accommodations in the same area, including newer buildings with ensuite bathrooms and better security.
Note: All prices are indicative — confirm with the operator before making any financial commitment.
Room‑Type Guidance
7708 Sparbrook offers two unit types:
- Non‑ensuite rooms: These typically share a bathroom with other residents. The price starts at CAD 900 per month. If you are on a tight budget and don’t mind shared facilities, this is the cheaper option — but given the reviews about cleanliness, consider whether the cost saving is worth the risk.
- Apartments: Self‑contained units with a private bathroom and kitchen, priced up to CAD 1,250 per month. These offer more privacy, but the same building‑wide issues (odour, security, management) may still apply.
Given that the property is currently listed as not available, room‑type selection is moot for now. If it becomes available in 2026 or 2027, request a virtual tour or in‑person inspection before signing anything.
Booking Timing
Because the property is not currently open for bookings, there is no immediate availability to consider. Should it return to the market, typical booking windows for Burnaby student housing open 6–9 months before the September intake. To secure a room at 7708 Sparbrook (if and when it becomes available), you would need to act as soon as listings reappear. Given the negative reviews, you may also want to wait until the operator’s management practices are visibly improved — for example, by checking recent reviews on other platforms.
For fall 2026 or winter 2027 semesters, monitor the listing status starting early 2026. Avoid sending deposits without written confirmation of terms, cancellation policies, and the exact move‑in date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 7708 Sparbrook safe?
Based on a resident’s review, the window in one room would not lock or close, and the room was on the first floor, creating a security concern. The same review described the building as “sketchy.” There is no security staff mentioned in the data. If security is a priority, this residence does not appear to meet that need.
Can I get my deposit back if I change my mind?
The data does not specify a deposit amount. One reviewer mentioned “unexpected requests for extra payment” and “additional charges.” Without a clear written policy, you should assume that cancellation may incur fees. Always ask the operator for a written refund policy before paying anything.
How far is it from Simon Fraser University?
The address is in Vancouver, BC, on Sparbrook Drive in Burnaby (postal code V5S 3K3). Simon Fraser University’s Burnaby campus is approximately 15–20 minutes by car or 40–50 minutes by transit, depending on the route. The exact distance is not provided in the data; use a mapping service for accurate travel time.
Sources & Data Date
This article is based on data from July 2026. Prices, availability, and reviews may change. All rents are indicative — confirm with the operator before booking.
For live availability and current pricing, use the on‑site assistant to check real‑time inventory for your preferred move‑in date.
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