Why register your accommodation with VHS?
VHS has successfully matched students, professionals and tourists with Accommodation Providers since 2000. Whether you choose to register for both the Full Serve and Self Serve options, or restrict your offering to the Full Serve option, VHS will make every effort to find suitable students/guests.

What advantage is there for me to post my profile in the SELF SERVE accommodation directory?
The Accommodation Provider profiles are available for viewing free of charge to people anywhere in the world. Potential students/guests, and even other accommodation agencies can view the site. The chance of getting bookings is greatly increased by this broad exposure.
AND
No more calling around to agencies to inform them about your availability - log in and update your availability - it? instant.

If I post my profile in the SELF SERVE accommodation directory, does that mean that VHS won? consider my accommodation for its Full Service clients?
Don? worry - VHS will use the entire data base of Accommodation Providers when placing Full Service clients.

When is it not a good idea to post my profile in the SELF SERVE accommodation directory?
If you do not have email, do not check your emails regularly, or if you don? want to update your profile regularly to reflect changing availability, then you should not post your profile in the SELF SERVE accommodation directory.

Will my contact information and address be available to anyone who views my profile?
You need not have any concerns. Contact between you and the potential guest is only possible through our secure Mail Center - email addresses are not visible to either party. Your contact information will not be provided to a potential guest until that guest has deposited the funds for either the first month? accommodation fee or part thereof in the case of bookings for less than 1 month.

When should I have a "Criminal Record Search" done?
A "Criminal Record Search" is mandatory for those Homestay Providers who plan to host minors (under 18 years of age).

It also sets you apart from other Providers and gives you an advantage as a host for all ages of students/guests.

Please download the "Criminal Record Search" form and take it to the local police detachment for completion. The ORIGINAL form, completed by the police detachment, must be presented to a VHS staff member when an inspection takes place, or if there is no inspection, the ORIGINAL must be mailed to VHS.

VHS will take a copy for its records, return the original to you and amend your profile to reflect that you have completed the Criminal Record Search.

• Most important is the description of the accommodation you have to offer. This, together with the pictures, is what will attract visitors. Make it interesting and point out the benefits of your accommodation.
• Be clear about your rates.
• If you offer Homestay, describe your family (a family picture is nice).
• Mention your pets and describe them a little.
• To describe the location, indicate the closest major intersection to your accommodation so that the student/guest can use the Translink and Mapquest websites to find out bus connections and distances to their schools or workplaces. Do NOT provide your address.
• Name other amenities close to your accommodation, like parks, shopping, cafes etc. Distance and travel time to downtown Vancouver is also of interest.
• Be honest. Inaccurate information leads to problems later and possible cancellation of your listing.
• Add pictures (a picture says a thousand words) that accurately display your accommodation so that the student/guest knows what to expect upon his/her arrival.

• It is of utmost importance that availability is updated at all times to avoid unnecessary inquiries and disappointed student/guests.
• Update pictures to reflect renovations and other changes.

How many pictures can I post?
We have not set a limit. We recommend posting pictures of all the shared rooms (living, dining, kitchen, bathrooms etc.) as well as the student/guest bedroom. If you offer Homestay, a family picture is always appreciated.

How much can I ask for my Accommodation?
It's up to you to decide how much to ask for. It depends on location, quality of furnishings, amenities offered, and in the case of Homestay, how many meals are included as well as the age of the student/guest. Look at Rates for our Full Service clients for guidance.

Who is the perfect Homestay Provider?
You enjoy the company of people. You like to share the Canadian culture with others from different countries and learn from them about their culture. Maybe you have been a foreigner in another country yourself and know how difficult it can be to find your way around an unknown city let alone country and would like to help. If you like to host foreign students who are coming to study English, it is necessary that your own English speaking and grammar skills are excellent. You only accept students of different nationality at the same time.

What is a Mail Centre?
Contact between you and the student/guest is only possible through our secure Mail Centre.

Why is the Mail Centre of importance?
The Mail Centre protects your privacy. Your personal data and contact information is not disclosed until a booking takes place. You will only receive requests from somebody who is interested in your accommodation.