Frequently Asked Questions

1. Reserving a Property

If you are renting on a monthly basis, to secure your reservation, our property owners require a deposit equivalent to 50% of the first month's rent, which is in accordance with the guidelines prescribed by the British Columbia Residential Tenancy Branch. When you move in, this deposit serves as your damage deposit. This damage deposit is held by the suite owner to cover any damage caused by a tenant beyond normal wear and tear during the tenancy. The damage deposit is fully refundable after the end of the rental period, subject to a suite inspection.

If your stay is less than one month, the damage deposit varies from owner to owner, but generally is 50% of the rent payable.

The property is not considered reserved until the Tenancy Agreement has been signed by both parties and the security deposit has been received. Tenants are expected to pay the Security Deposit within 3 days of booking.

You're expected to pay the first month's rent or, in the case of daily or weekly bookings, the entire rent, upon arrival. All payments are in Canadian dollars and are paid directly to the property owner.

2. Do I sign an agreement ?

Yes. Property owners generally use a standard British Columbia rental agreement that they may modify to suit the tenancy. Generally, the rental agreement is reviewed and signed by both parties prior to the tenant’s arrival. This agreement can also be signed when you arrive. However, when Make Yourself at Home confirms a booking between a tenant and an owner, until the Rental Agreement and the security deposit are in place, the suite remains “live/available” on our website. We encourage our property owners and prospective tenants to complete the agreement as quickly as possible and secure the rental by prompt payment of the damage deposit.

3. Is my deposit refundable ?

Yes, your deposit is fully refundable by the property owner after the end of your stay, subject to inspection and satisfactory condition of the suite at the end of your tenancy.

4. How do you send the deposit?

You pay the property owner directly, by sending a certified cheque, money order, or wire transfer. If you are in Canada, a convenient electronic way to transfer money is through INTERAC Email Money Transfers. Ask your bank, it's simple, secure, and inexpensive.

5. All prices are in Canadian dollars?

Yes, all prices are in Canadian dollars unless noted otherwise.

6. Are taxes and utilities included in the price?

Prices generally include taxes and utilities for furnished rentals. However, there are a few exceptions, about which you will be advised up front. If you have questions, feel free to ask us.

7. Do you charge an administrative fee?

We do not charge an administrative or booking fee to prospective tenants to rent an advertised property. Fees are paid by the property owner upon completion of a successful booking and tenant occupancy of the suite.

8. Is smoking allowed?

Smoking is strictly prohibited. This means you're also not permitted to smoke on balconies or in the yard of a garden suite or laneway house. Many owners have non-smoking clauses in their tenancy agreements which provide for complete forfeiture of the security deposit should the tenant be found to have smoked in the suite.

9. Are pets allowed?

A small number of our suites are pet friendly. If you require accommodation that is pet friendly, when you contact us please provide additional details about your pet. Generally pets are accepted on a case by case basis. Some property owners require a pet deposit if they agree to your pet staying in the suite. Ask us. If you bring a pet, a pet damage deposit may be required in addition to the regular damage deposit. The pet deposit is generally equal to 50% of the first month’s rent. Pet deposits are fully refundable, providing no damage has been caused by the pet. Some owners may also charge additional cleaning fees for pets.

10. How many people are allowed in an apartment?

It varies greatly from property to property. Some owners, or their Strata corporations, will have a maximum. The number of occupants cannot exceed the number of sleeping options. Please feel free to ask us. In addition, all occupants must be listed on the Tenancy Agreement. If they're not, they may be subject to removal by the Property Owner.

11. What are check-in and check-out times?

These times vary depending on the needs of the owner and the tenant. These arrangements need to be made between tenant and owner. Check-in time is generally late afternoon; checkout time is generally Noon on the last day of your stay. We suggest you advise the suite owner of your travel arrangements as soon as they have been made to facilitate both check-in and check-out.

12. What is included in furnished suites?

All fully furnished properties include bed linen and towels. Most units, with the exception of a few weekly rentals, have fully equipped kitchens. If you have specific questions, please ask us.

13. What about Cable TV, internet and parking?

Most of our fully furnished units are equipped with Cable TV (basic) and Internet acces. There are exceptions, please ask. Most downtown apartments have underground parking. In other areas, it is very common for tenants to park on the street.