Relocation services for British Columbia, Canada

Rentals

One of the challenges when relocating is finding rental property for your initial period in Canada. This section contains various resources to help you with this.

Our main area for rentals is Vancouver, especially the North Shore. We will do our best, through our partners and contacts to locate a suitable rental property.

Key Facts

Unfurnished Rentals

• Unfurnished rentals are for usually for a minimum of a year - and you will be expected to sign a lease for that period.
• Leases begin on 1st of the month or occasionally 15th
• Check what is included in the rent. In most cases you pay the hydro (electricity) and other utilities.
• The landlord will expect a security deposit of 2 week’s rent. If you have pets there will be a pet deposit of another 2 week’s rent.
• There is a condition inspection at the beginning and end of the tenancy. The landlord may deduct money from your deposit for damage or cleaning - with your agreement.
• Many landlords will not accept pets. Some may not even want children.

Furnished Rentals

• Furnished rentals are more expensive than unfurnished ones but may include some or all of your utilities.
• Rent often includes such things as hydro (electricity), tv and internet. Check what is included with your landlord.
• Rental periods can start on any day and be for any length of time. Usually the minimum period will be a month or two otherwise they may have to charge hotel tax.

General Advice

It is hard to find rentals (some areas have 1% vacancy rates or lower). Allow time to find somewhere. If you are planning on renting long term it is worth staying in an unfurnished place initially so that you have time to find a suitable long term rental.

Further information on renting and the law protecting tenants is on our renting guide page.

Beware of scams on internet sites like craigslist. Don’t pay money in advance unless you have verified the landlord or agent’s details.