Renting in Vancouver for new immigrants

[wyho007]

Will be moving to Vancouver early next year. I'm confused regarding renting and hope someone can share their experience. We are a couple with a small dog. I'm a Canadian citizen but lived abroad for so long that I'm pretty sure I won't have any credit history. My spouse is totally new to Canada. Both of us don't have any employment line up yet.

We are planning to rent airbnb for 1 month while we can look for something more permanent at least 1 year.

I've been checking out craiglist and there are 1 bedroom listing for under $1900 a month, a small dog allowed. When we think it seems we'll have a good shot with our $2000 budget and the 1 month airbnb timeframe, we read news articles on people complaining how difficult it is even for young professionals with good credit history and employment to rent: http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/rentals-vancouver-toronto-young-professionals-1.3802944

Which represents more of the reality? Is it a norm for landlords to be picky on credit history/landlord references? How do new immigrants go about renting? Please share and advice. Thank you!

 

[scylla]

Yes - landlords are picky when it comes to credit history and references since there tend to be more people looking for places to rent than good units available. They will likely give preference to someone who is established in Canada to you. The fact you have a pet will also lower your appeal as a tenant somewhat. Sometimes units also end up being rented over the advertised rate - meaning that someone who really wants the unit will offer to pay $50 or $100 more per month than the advertised rate.

In terms of what you can do, you should simply expect that it might take longer for you to find a place. You may end spending more than 1 month in the airbnb. Of course it's also possible that you might find exactly what you want immediately.

Good luck.

 

[smk_ujs]

Is there a particular website that specializes in rentals in Vancouver for upto 6 months?

 

[steaky]

Is there a particular website that specializes in rentals in Vancouver for upto 6 months?

Try this:

https://renthello.com

 

[smk_ujs]

Thanks steaky but cant seem to find many listings.

Anywhere I can find a basement for rent?

 

[steaky]

Thanks steaky but cant seem to find many listings.

Anywhere I can find a basement for rent?

I'm sure you can find some in that website. You can also try craiglist.

 

[smk_ujs]

I tried craiglist but is there no way of contacting the seller like sending seller a message?
no phone number or email was displayed for some of the ads