FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions I hear most from buyers, sellers, and owners in Greater Vancouver.

What does a property manager do?

I help manage the day-to-day responsibilities of renting out your property, from marketing the property and screening tenants to collecting rent, coordinating repairs, and handling strata-related matters.

Which areas do you serve?

I provide property management services in Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Coquitlam, and Surrey.

Are you licensed?

Yes. I'm licensed in BC for real estate trading services and rental property management. You can verify my licence through the BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA).

Do you speak languages other than English?

Yes. I work with clients in English and Chinese.

How much does property management cost?

My monthly management fee is 8% of the rent collected, with a minimum of $120 per month. The tenant placement fee is 50% of one month's rent when you sign up for ongoing management, or 100% of one month's rent if you only need help finding a tenant, subject to a minimum fee of $1,200 in either case. All fees are subject to GST. Additional fees may apply, see my fee schedule.

Can I hire you just to find a tenant?

Yes. If you'd prefer to manage the property yourself but want help finding a suitable tenant, I offer tenant placement as a standalone service. This includes finding and screening prospective tenants without an ongoing management commitment.

Do you offer a rental guarantee?

Yes. If your condo isn't rented within 60 days of being market-ready and listed for rent, I'll waive the tenant placement fee, subject to the guarantee's terms and conditions.

How long does it take to rent out a condo in Vancouver?

As a general guide, I typically allow around two months to find a tenant, although the timeline can vary depending on the season, asking rent, and condition of the unit. Spring and summer can bring more rental activity, while winter may be slower.

How do you decide how much rent to charge?

I look at comparable condos in the same building and nearby neighbourhoods, including their asking rents, features, and how quickly they're renting. Based on that information, I'll recommend a rental price and explain the reasoning behind it.

How do you screen prospective tenants?

I review relevant information such as credit history, employment and income, rental history, and references. I use consistent, relevant screening criteria for all applicants, while respecting applicable privacy and human rights requirements.

How much can I increase the rent?

In most cases, rent can be increased only once every 12 months, with at least three months' written notice using the required form. The increase must also stay within BC's annual allowable limit unless an exception applies. The allowable percentage changes from year to year, so it's important to check the current limit before serving a notice.

Can I rent out my condo if my strata has restrictions?

It depends on the strata corporation's bylaws and rules, as well as any applicable requirements. Before listing your condo, it's important to check the bylaws, confirm any required move-in procedures, and understand any restrictions that may affect your plans. I can help review the relevant documents and coordinate the necessary arrangements.

Can I switch from my current property manager?

Yes. I can help owners transition from another property manager. The process will depend on your current management agreement, any notice requirements, and the tenancy's status. Get in touch, and I'll walk you through the next steps.

Should I rent out my property or sell it?

That depends on your financial goals, how long you plan to hold the property, and your circumstances. Renting may make sense if you'd like to retain the property and earn rental income, while selling may be a better fit for other plans. I'm happy to talk through the considerations with you so you can make an informed decision, with no obligation.