Can I wait until I arrive to find a place to live?
The vacancy rate in Vancouver (Downtown or Westside), is 1% or less.
Staying in a Hotel, Hostel, or Airbnb while looking for a furnished or unfurnished apartment can be very expensive. It can take up to a month to find a clean comfortable and affordable place in a location that will be suitable for your needs.
The majority of apartments for rent in Vancouver are unfurnished. You will be required to sign a lease and be responsible for any extra charges and monthly bills. Monthly bills can include phone, cable, gas and electricity, and internet hook-up. Be advised that if you are an international client with no credit history in Canada that can be verified by utility companies, cable companies or cell phone companies you may be required to pay expensive deposits to access these services.
These charges do not apply when you use BELL ACCOMMODATION SERVICES. We give you one monthly rate that includes everything.
Using BELL ACCOMMODATION SERVICES assures you that you will have a comfortable, clean and affordable accommodation waiting for you upon arrival.
No extra charges, no hassles, arrive straight from the airport.
I'm on a budget. Is it safe to live on Vancouver's Eastside?
If you are on a budget and coming to Vancouver, consider Vancouver’s Eastside. Remember we know the neighbourhoods and our staff visit every accommodation we offer. There are a few areas of the Eastside such as the “Main and Hasting” area that are undesirable and we have no accommodation in that area. However there are many more areas that are clean, affordable and family oriented. Some Eastside areas are very close to downtown, 10 or 20 minutes by bus or skytrain. Some are walking distance to downtown.
One of our most popular Eastside neighbourhoods is the Commercial Drive area known as “The Drive.” Many local Vancouver students and people in the arts community make this area their home.
Do I have to pay for electricity and other utilities when BELL ACCOMMODATION SERVICES finds me a place to live?
No. Heat, light, water, WIFI are all included in your rent. You only pay for your food and personal supplies. The price per month we quote you is firm, there are no additional charges.
Do I have to bring my own sheets, towels, dishes when BELL ACCOMMODATION SERVICES find me a place to live?
No. All linens are provided. The kitchen is fully equipped.
Where are most of BELL'S ACCOMMODATIONS located?
We have places in Vancouver’s convenient Westside , Vancouver’s funky East-Side for the budget minded, (e.g. Fraser, Main), and trendy Downtown (most expensive). All are within an easy, one bus-zone commute. We also provide accommodations in North Vancouver and Burnaby.
How does Transit work?
The city is laid out on the grid system, which the buses follow. They travel North/South or East/West. A commute of 30-40 minutes using one or two buses is considered reasonable. We also have a skytrain system and a ferry that crosses the Burred Inlet between Vancouver and North Vancouver . We try to get you the shortest commute (20-30minutes) when we can, on the most direct routes, based on your destination, and budget.
How much does Transit cost?
All transit in Vancouver is run by Translink. For fares on regular routes visit the Translink website here.
Can I bring my bike?
Yes! Vancouver is a bike-friendly city. You must wear a helmet and it is advisable to lock up your bike when you leave it. Be sure you tell us if you are bringing your bike so that we can advise the accommodation provider.
Is parking available?
In Vancouver the majority of people park on the street in front of their homes. Some downtown apartments have underground parking. Always check with us first if you are bringing a car. Parking downtown is expensive!.
Do I need health insurance?
Yes. students should have their own health insurance. Certain individuals, such as some holders of study and/or work permits issued under the Federal Immigration and Refugee Protection Act are deemed to be residents, and may be entitled to BC Medical coverage, If you are uncertain about your eligibility status, check with the student services dept of your school.
How much will food cost me?
Food costs depend on diet and quantity, of course, but in general allow about $250 CAN per person per month, if you cook at home. Lunch out is $7-$10 CAN and up, dinner out is $15-$20 CAN and up.
How do I dress for Vancouver's weather?
Vancouver has one of the warmest climates in Canada. It is located on the Pacific Ocean and is part of a temperate rainforest. This means we get rain year round, but mostly between October and April. That’s why everything is so beautifully lush and green. Vancouver receives little or no snow in the winter. For fall and winter, bring warm sweaters, socks and shoes, a water-proof rain jacket, hat, gloves and an umbrella. June to September is our summer, warm and a lot less rain, but you will still need raingear occasionally. Outside the business district, people in Vancouver are very casual and tend to dress for an active lifestyle. To get an idea of how people in Vancouver like to dress check-out http://www.mec.ca
When do I get my damage deposit back?
We make every effort to return your deposit by cheque on the last day of the contract. If you leave before the contract ” out date ” you must provide 14 days notice by email. However if there are issues with the accommodation the law provided 14 days for the issues to be resolved before the return of the deposit. To avoid issues please make sure you return the accommodation in the same condition as you received it.