Frequently Asked Questions

About our services
Make Yourself at Home is a website that advertises on behalf of private owners. Make Yourself at Home is not a property manager and does not provide any property management services. We respond to enquiries, match properties with requests, and gather background information. The owner shows the suite, generates the rental contract, collects payments and makes the final decision on the rental.

How do I reserve an apartment?
If you are renting on a monthly basis, owners require a deposit equivalent to 1/2 month's rent. This also serves as your damage deposit which is fully refundable after the rental period subject to inspection.
If your stay is less than a month, the damage deposit varies from owner to owner.
If you bring a pet, a pet damage deposit may be required in addition to the regular damage deposit.

Do I sign an agreement?
Yes. Owners generally use a standard British Columbia rental agreement that they may modify to suit the tenancy. If there is time, owners can send you this agreement before you arrive for your review and signature. This agreement can also be signed when you arrive.

Is my deposit refundable?
Yes, your deposit is fully refundable by the owner after the end of your stay subject to inspection and satisfactory condition of the rental.

How do I send the deposit?
You pay the 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 not expensive.

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

Are taxes and utilities included in the price?
Prices generally include taxes and utilities. However, there are a few exceptions, and I will let you know up front. But please feel free to ask.

Do you charge an administrative fee?
Make Yourself at Home does not charge an administrative fee to rent an advertised property. Fees are paid by the owners upon successful booking/occupancy.

Is smoking allowed?
Smoking is strictly prohibited.

Are pets allowed?
A small number of units are pet friendly.

How many people are allowed in an apartment?
It varies greatly from property to property. Some owners have a maximum. Please feel free to ask.

What is the checkout time?
Checkout time is generally noon on the last day of your stay. This can vary depending on the needs of the owner and the tenant.

What is included?
All units are fully furnished including linens and towels. Most units, with the exception of a few weekly rentals, have fully equipped kitchens.

What about cable TV, telephone, Internet, and parking?
Most units are equipped with Cable TV (basic), local telephone, Internet access. There are exceptions, please ask. Most downtown apartments have underground parking. In other areas, it is very common for people to park on the street.

What is a garden suite?
A garden suite is a private apartment in a residential home - usually a character or heritage home. Most of these suites are located on the first floor at either ground level or one-two steps down from grade, and typically the owners live above on the upper floors. All of the garden suites listed at Make Yourself at Home have been renovated and updated. Many come with more amenities, private patios and square footage than apartments and condominiums. We consider none of our garden suites “basements,” although some have varying ceiling heights. These suites are often a more economical accommodation in quiet, residential areas in highly desirable Vancouver locations.