Renters Guide Vancouver - Nov 23, 2012

Metro Vancouver Edition

Nov. 23 - Dec 07, 2012 Volume 20 Issue 24

Renting a

FURNISHED APARTMENT INSIDE THIS ISSUE

HOW TO AVOID A MOVING SCAM

Surrey / Langley / Delta

One Month

Free

Call for details today!

Updated and beautifully renovated 1 bedroom suites

670

$

From as well as Furnished Executive Suites From $1,500 KEPT

SECRET

IN

THE COMMUNITY

THE ONE-BEDROOM SUITE

• Next to Grocery Store • On-site Security Guard • Large Courtyard, Private Clubhouse • Bus stop in front or walk to Skytrain • Amenities and on-site conveniences

• Bright and Spacious Units • Beautiful Upgraded Flooring • Updated Kitchens and Bathrooms • Newer Appliances • Updated Fixtures and Ceiling Fans

SORRY, NO PETS

At Home in a Great Community

SURREY

Proud member of Crime Free Multi-Housing

Call to view

604.589.7040

100, 12747 – 102 Avenue, Surrey

“Surrey Gardens has just completed a multi-million dollar renovation project.

You will not find a finer place to live in this corner of Surrey and what can be better than living in an apartment that you will be proud of and paying a rent that is competitive and fair… call us now and see for yourself.”

www. GreatApartments .ca

Surrey Gardens

103 Ave. 102 Ave. 100 Ave. O ld

96 Ave.

Ya le

King George Highway

BEST

127A Str.

THE

Fraser Hwy

November 23 - December 07, 2012 renters guide 3

Surrey / Langley / Delta Majorca

stardust

5699-201A St. • 604-533-6945

5639-201A St. • 604-533-7578

Langley FREE: Laundry, Heat, Hot Water and Covered Parking

• Resident manager on site 24 hrs • Free cable - Free laundry • Hardwood Floors • Sparkling Clean Buildings • We Are Proud of Our Addresses • No pets

rainbow

villa fontana

5669-201A St. • 604-533-6945

5609-201A St. • 604-533-7578

City Living Begins at

DOWNTOWN AT YOUR DOORSTEP

1 and 2 Bedrooms Available Ideal for those who thrive on the energy of the city ~ an apartment at Infinity puts downtown at your doorstep.

Infinity also offers tremendous amenities including a fully equipped fitness facility, access to maid service and apartments wired for high speed internet access. You even have a Chapters Book store, Starbucks, Kichi Sushi and Urban Barn all located within the building.

828 HOWE STR.

604.681.1186

4 renters guide November 23 - December 07, 2012

0011068_4712

• Ideal for seniors: • Handy Dart - Home making Services Seniors Centre • Bus Stop at Corner • 5 Min Walk to Save-On-Foods, Walk-In Clinics, Shops and Restaurants

Surrey / Langley / Delta

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SPECIALISTS SINCE 1964

10525-150th Street, Surrey

AFFORDABLE 1 & 2 Bedroom Suites Available

• Across from Guildford Mall, library & new community centre • Close to schools & buses • Outdoor pool, balconies & patios • Heat, h/w, drapes & carpet included • Spacious & very clean

0188060_4712

FIND YOUR HAPPY PLACE FOR PERSONAL VIEWING CALL

604-582-0465

9760450_4712

Deltita Gardens

1 bdrm from $700 2 bdrm from $800 3 bdrm from $900 $200 Move-in Bonus Limited time offer (Ask for Details)

Some suites with mountain views Rent includes heat + hot water and basic cable.

For more info or to view please call.

8507 120th St, N. Delta

604-594-5211

www.baywest.ca

November 23 - December 07, 2012 renters guide 5

VICE pRESIdENT, Wall2Wall mEdIa

Jacqueline Hill

EdITOR-IN-CHIEf, NaTIONal REal ESTaTE

Susan Legge

aCCOuNT ExECuTIVES

Lan Do 604-812-7298

Surrey, Langley, White Rock, Maple Ridge, Mission, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Richmond, Ladner

Amy Gagnon 604-422-7813 Classified Advertising

EdITOR

Elisa Krovblit

CONTRIBuTORS

Wayne Karl, Jane Herman

SENIOR pROduCTION maNagER

Gnanapandithan Bala

pROduCTION maNagER

contents

Nikki Yarwood

pROduCTION COORdINaTOR

Bala Menon

aRT dIRECTOR

Lee Cobham

VOlumE 20 ISSuE 23 |NOV. 23 - dEC. 07, 2012

gRapHIC dESIgN/pROduCTION

Mike Terentiev, Swinder Jodhka

NaTIONal aCCOuNT maNagER mEdIaTIVE

Paul Slizys pRINTINg

Mitchell Press Metro Vancouver Edition

Nov. 23 - Dec 07, 2012 Volume 20 Issue 24

ON THE COVER 12.

RENTERS’ HElp

Renting a furnished apartment

by Jane Hermans RENTERS guIdE

4180, Lougheed Highwy, Suite 102, Burnaby, BC V5C 6A7

Renting a

FURNISHED APARTMENT INSIDE THIS ISSUE

HOW TO AVOID A MOVING SCAM

Published by

fEaTuRES

SECTIONS

18.

fuNdamENTallySpEakINg

How to avoid a moving scam? byWayne Karl

4. Surrey/Langley/Delta 9. Burnaby/New West 11. Abbotsford/Chilliwack

19. Rental directory The Vancouver Renters Guide magazine is published by Wall2Wall Media located at Suite 500, One Innovation, 2700 Production Way, Burnaby, BC V5A4X1. The Renters Guide is distributed free throughout Greater Vancouver at free pick-up locations. This magazine carefully inspects all ads for accuracy, however, the publisher and the printer shall not be responsible for any mistakes, design errors or incorrect information which is provided by the advertiser or their representative. The advertising herein, including the photographs and all artwork is the property of the Renters Guide magazine and not that of the advertiser. The advertiser has purchased the right of reproduction in the Renters Guide magazine only and does not have the right to reproduce the ad in whole or in part in any other place or publication without the consent of the publisher.

The entire contents of this publication are protected by copyright and are intended for the sole use of the public.

14. Vancouver

©2012 Wall2Wall Media

17. Victoria

Wall2Wall Media is a trademark of Yellow Pages Group Co. in Canada homeTRADER and The homeTRADER & Design are trade-marks of Apax Partners LLP, used under license Disclaimer: The views expressed by the columnists in this publication are not necessarily those of the publication.

6 renters guide November 23 - December 07, 2012

EDITORS’ NOTES

a

re you too busy to manage a home? Perhaps you’ve done the homeownership thing, and want to unshackle yourself from the costs of upkeep and home maintenance?

Most everyone these days is looking at ways to de-stress and simplify their lives, and renting rather than owning one can be one of the easiest ways to get relief. When you really think about it, it’s an option that may take some getting used to!

Needless to say, when you’re renting a home, your “to-do” list will likely look very different than those from your homeownership days.

Whether you’re a life-long renter or a homeowner in need of a change, this issue of Renters Guide is for you.

We’ve got some great advice on renting and decorating in the issue.

Check it out! Your new “to-do” list is waiting.

Susan Legge EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, homeTRADER susan.legge@wall2wallmedia.com Follow me on Twitter at Twitter.com/SusanLegge

h

ow much consideration have you given to living a Green lifestyle?

Small lifestyle changes can make that can have a huge impact.

Renters often think that there’s nothing that they can do – that they’re limited by the building’s systems. It’s true – most apartment buildings were built in an era before being Green was an important part of life. Garbage chutes don’t separate for recyclables and compost, most light fixtures were intended for use with plain old incandescent light bulbs and nobody was designing with sustainable materials like bamboo and cork.

But this doesn’t mean renters can’t take the responsibility of being Green personally. There are many steps to take to being a Green renter. Switch the old bulbs over to compact fluorescent light bulbs, halogen or LEDs when possible, especially if you’re considering changing up the lighting fixtures.

Water conservation comes by letting the landlord know when there’s a leak, and you can even opt to change your shower head to a low-flow to conserve.

While many property managers will listen and consider suggestions to Green up the building and there are already many companies that have taken the initiative to retrofit their buildings with new technologies and make changes like using low VOC paint, low-flow toilets and extensive recycling programs, there are still many things renters can do individually that will make a huge impact, from making conscious purchasing decisions to making sure to turn off lights and unplug appliances when not in use. Every little bit helps considering the massive number of renters in the city!

While thinking Green, it’s time to find that apartment. We’re here to help.

With Renters Guide in hand you’ll find the perfect place. Our magazine and website, homeTRADER.ca, offer the best selection of available apartments as well as informative articles and advice, making it easy to make your move!

Elisa Krovblit EDITOR elisa.krovblit@wall2wallmedia.com Follow me on Twitter at Twitter.com/ElisaKrovblit Like us on Facebook Renters Guide

November 23 - December 07, 2012 renters guide 7

Lower Mainland & Fraser Valley WEST VANCOUVER

COQUITLAM

NORTH VANCOUVER

CO

QU

ITL

AM

PORT MOODY

VANCOUVER

PO

RT

U.E.I. BURNABY N

MI

W

NE

T ES

R ITE

PITTMEADOWS MAPLERIDGE

FRASER RIVER

W

MISSION SURGEON BANK

RICHMOND

H UT SO

ROBERTS BANK

M AR

DELTA, LADNER, TSAWWASSEN

SURREY

ABBOTSFORD LANGLEY CITY

LANGLEY

BOUNDARY BAY WHITE ROCK

Get Your Property Rented!

La n Do 6 0 4 . 8 1 2 . 7 2 9 8 amy G aG no n 6 0 4 . 4 2 2 . 7 8 1 3

8 renters guide November 23 - December 07, 2012

GREAT LOCATION UNBELIEVABLE VALUE!

LOUGHEED VILLAGE

BRAND NEW, SPACIouS AND WELL-APPoINTED 2 BEDRoom 2 BATHRoom IN THE NEWLy ComPLETED

2 Bdrm 2 Bath Suite 1005 SQ FT 2 Bdrm 2 Bath Suite 1327 SQ FT 2 Bdrm 2 Bath Suite 1519 SQ FT 2 Bdrm 2 Bath Penthouse Suite 1566 SQ FT

B U R N A B Y 1 Bdrm. from $1000 2 Bdrm. Luxury Penthouses from $1900 call 604-421-0282 or 604-336-1517 9500/9502 Erickson Drive

9303/9304 Salish Court

For viewing after hours 604-762-2044

Capilano Grove Special FeatureS: • Natural Gas Range • Electric Fireplace • In Suite Laundry • Dishwasher • Granite Counters in the Kitchen • Granite Counters in the Bathrooms • High End Appliances including stainless steel Bosch dishwasher and gas stove and large Samsung fridge • 43' Samsung Plasma TV

• Large newly renovated suites in the village • New granite countertops • New hardwood or carpet flooring • Oversized balconies 150 sq. ft.

• 1, 2 & 3 bedrooms • Heat, light & hot water included • 1 block from Lougheed Mall & SkyTrain and so much more…

• Fitness 2000 facilities • Professional services & retail shops • Low-cost cable and high-speed internet available • No pets allowed

$2350

PER moNTH

$2700

PER moNTH

$3100

PER moNTH

$3200

PER moNTH

(With 1500 SQ FT Wrap Around Patio)

2 Bdrm 2 Bath Penthouse Suite $4500 FuLLy FuRNISHED 1566 SQ FT PER moNTH (With 1500 SQ FT Wrap Around Patio)

SORRY ... NO PETS Min 1 yr lease

2 Bdrm. from $1280 3 Bdrm. from $1700 call 604-415-9001 or 604-420-9715

www.LOUGHEEDAPARTMENTS.ca

10 minute walk to Edgemont Village Close to Lion's Gate Bridge and HWy 1

Call Aznin at 604.762.2044 or email aznin@mayfairhotels.ca 2832 Capilano Road, North Vancouver, BC, V7R 4H6

Rivers Inlet Family Townhomes

• Newly renovated • All units come with fridge, stove, washer/dryer and dishwasher • Front carport (some garages available) and backyard patio • Decorative Fireplace • Sorry, no pets • Professional onsite staff

For Personal Viewing Call

604-524-5021

gatewaypm.com

www.rentparkside.com

A s k A b o u t o u r r e n tA l I n c e n t I v e s

Call

10634260_4712

Move-In Bonus

604-942-2012

OZADA AVE GUILDFORD WAY

GLEN DR COQUITLAM CENTRE MALL

INLET ST

2 Bedrooms 3 Bedrooms

PIPELIN E RD

• Outdoor Pool, Sauna & Recreation room • Located across from Royal City Mall and Moody Park • Close to Buses and Sky train.

• Security Card access system • Underground parking available • Professional onsite management team

WESTWOOD ST

North: 820-6th Ave. / South: 525-9th St., New West.

A short walk to Coquitlam Centre Mall, schools & recreation.

PINETRE E WAY

ProPertY MAnAGeMent sPecIAlIsts sInce 1964

ParksideTowers1&2

ABBOTSFORD

Burnaby / New West / Coquitlam

INLET ST

LINCOLN AVE

Rivers Inlet Rental Complex Coquitlam 1145 Inlet Street riversinletent@shaw.ca www.coquitlampropertyrentals.com

1 & 2 BEDROOM APARTMENTS ALSO AVAILABLE November 23 - December 07, 2012 renters guide 9

Classifieds

Call 604-519-6080

GREENBOROUGH

The Glenmore In Vancouver

Studio and 1 Bedroom apartments. New kitchen appliances, including dishwashers. Hardwood flooring, vertical blinds, mirrored closet doors. Walking distance to Stanley Park.

Call 604-644-0062

3091 Lincoln Ave New 1 bed, 1 bed & den and 2 bedroom suites available, 5 appliances, free hot water, clubhouse, from $1060. 2 - 3 blocks to mall, bus/Westcoast Express and City Centre. NO smoking NO dogs.

11238498 Call 604-468-1698 CHELSEA HOUSE Bright Large

1 and 2 bedroom suties for rent in the Metrotown area, 5 min from Mall and Skytrain. Freshly11238531 painted with very large balconies, new appliances, new window coverings in a newly updated building. Rents from $850 6570 Burlington Ave, Burnaby Call 778-323-0237

11238527

EVERGREEN PLACE BURNABY 1 Bedroom $960 1 and 2 bedrooms, close to all major transit and shopping. Carpeted with balcony. Rent includes heat, hot water and parking.

6920 Gilley Ave Burnaby

PARKSIDE VILLAGE Ideal Family Complex

Attractive 3 bedroom townhomes with 1.5 baths, appliances including washer/ dryer. Cat & Dog Friendly, some conditions apply. 3628 Williams St, Vancouver Call: 251-2503

11238529

Call 778-788-1867

11238530

MARLBOROUGH TOWER

NORTH VANCOUVER Studio, 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments with balconies, breathtaking ocean, city and mountain views. Heat and hot water included. 114 West 14th St. North Vancouver 11238532 Call 604-983-6920

WE’VE GOT ALL THE RENTAL INFO YOU’LL NEED WRAPPED UP IN AN EASY-TO-READ, EASY-TO-TAKE-ALONG FORMAT.

DESIGNED FIND YOUR HAPPY PLACE

FOR THE APARTMENT HUNTER

next deadline - November 30, 2012

Abbotsford / Chilliwack

Valley View Terrace

0011101_4712

09391784_4712

Birchwood Manor

1 bdrm from $680 • 2 bdrms from $795 2 bdrms + 2 baths, 1000 sf+ from $875

2 bdrms from $750 & up

2 Months Free Rent or $300 Move-in Allowance

• Onsite laundry, some with in-suite laundry hookups • Dishwashers • Parking included • Cat Ok.

New residents only

Building under new Professional Management Baywest Management Corporation

Crime Free Multi-Housing Program Refurbished lobby, halls and suites $25 Seniors Discount (New Applicants only) • BRIGHT LOCATION • LARGE KITCHENS (Sorry no pets)

33382 George Ferguson Way, Abbotsford, BC

You’ll like our managers!

2750 Fuller Street, Abbotsford

www.baywest.ca

www.baywest.ca

Homestead Estates

Huron Court

604-852-9086

1 bdrm from $750 2 bdrms + 2 baths from $895 $200 Move-in Bonus

(Ask For Details)

Limited Time Offer

0011111_4712

9501437 4712

604-832-8909

1 Bdrm from $625 2 Bdrms from $745 $200 Move-in Bonus

Crime Free Multi Housing Program, Rent includes gas heat + hot water, Abbotsford Deluxe, Large Apartments, Newer, well maintained building, gas fireplace + dishwasher + insuite laundry hook-up, gated u/g parking. Cat allowed

Crime Free Multi-Housing Program $25 Seniors Discount (New Applicants only) • Rent includes heat, hot water, U/G parking.

• Quiet, well-maintained building.

SORRY NO PETS

32101 Mt Waddington Ave, Abbotsford

31790 Union Ave., Downtown Clearbrook

www.baywest.ca

www.baywest.ca

604-870-9797

604-850-2467

November 23 - December 07, 2012 renters guide 11

renters’ help

Renting a

furnished apartment

By Jane Herman

T

here are numerous reasons why one would need furnished accommodations, especially short term. Many lifestyles and jobs require temporary relocation, and the labour and expense of setting up shop and moving at great frequency just doesn’t make sense. Sometimes it’s a result of a change in marital status, while many new immigrants find it prudent to take short-term accommodations until they acclimatize to the city, and would rather take something short term while looking for the perfect permanent new home.

renters’ help

chairs, TV and phone. There may also be in-suite laundry.

Though similar in accommodation, price is the biggest difference between a furnished apartment and a hotel. Another major difference is that hotel rooms do not have full kitchens and in-suite laundry. Depending on the length of your stay, not having a kitchen could be a major inconvenience that would likely add considerable expense to your food budget.

In addition, some furnished apartments have special amenities such as housekeeping, concierge services, onpremises spa and underground parking, conference and meeting rooms and fitness facilities.

Furnished apartments can be found in various types of buildings – from a condominium hotel to a luxury apartment building that also contains tenants on regular leases. Several of the larger landlords have furnished suites available in some of their buildings.

Depending on the owner/landlord or company you are renting from, the unit can be rented on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.

It’s best to discuss the terms of your “lease” or short-term rental agreement with the lessor before you move in.

While a lease is not required when renting for less than one year,“It is always preferable,”says Brad Butt, former president of the Greater Toronto Apartment Association.“If no lease is

signed, the agreement is simply month to month with 60 days notice to terminate required by the tenant.”But if a tenancy is week to week, the terms for ending a tenancy and giving notice is reduced to 28 days – so get it in writing.

With a furnished rental you should expect all utilities – including electricity, heat, water, telephone and cable TV – to be included. Most providers also include Internet. The kitchen should have all the basic tools to prepare meals, from dishware and cookware to appliances.

The bathroom should include towels, an ironing board, and hopefully at least a complimentary bar of soap and roll of toilet paper. The bedroom should include a bed, bedding and furniture. Standard furniture throughout the unit should include a couch, desk, table for eating,

If your needs are temporary or you have a specific and finite time period to rent, you may even be able to find a sublet, in which case you’d take over a permanent resident’s apartment for the stated duration, use their belongings and then return the space to them at the end of the agreed-upon period. People often leave for short durations, whether for school or travel, to do an out-of-town residency or other personal reasons, and don’t want to give up their apartment but would rather not pay full rent for an empty apartment, especially if they’re also going to be paying for lodgings in their temporary location.

While the selection of furnished apartments will never be as choice as regular, unfurnished long-term apartments, and you may find the same apartment costs a little more to rent short term than it would on a lease, there’s sure to be something to fulfill your needs.

Jane Herman is a communications consultant who has worked in the rental property industry. Jane provides communications solutions for a diverse range of clients and has written about food, fashion, apartment living and personal finance for several publications.

Vancouver

Itziar

M ov e

MANAGEMENT LTD.

Nelson Place 1424 NELSON & BROUGHTON

• • • •

in

No w

stylish and brand new apartments for rent

Ocean or mountain views Sauna Gated underground parking Close to shops, beach and park

604.684.3921 Itziar

0015301 4712

To view please call resident manager at

MANAGEMENT LTD.

Carmen Manor Yuanbeng_11231554_4712

1516 DAVIE STREET & NICOLA

V6H 0A9 monday - friday 10:00 to 17:00

• • • • •

1 bedroom suites with balcony Close to shops, beach and park Sauna Laundry facilities No pets

or at 778-896-1300 please call to book an appointment for suite showing on weekends

604.685.0652 14 renters guide November 23 - December 07, 2012

0015311 4712

To view please call at

FERRY TO VANCOUVER & GULF ISLANDS, B.C

LANDS END RD.

SWARTZ BAY

TSEHUM HARBOUR

MILL RD.

PATRICIA BAY

SIDNEY WEST SAANICH RD.

FERRY TO ANNACORTES WA., U.S.A.

BAZAN BAY

RR FE

17

Y TO

JAMES IS.

SAANICHTON

L IL

M

SIDNEY IS.

MT. NEWTON X RD.

Y BA

SAANICH INLET

BRENTWOOD BAY ISLAND VIEW RD.

AY HIGHW

OLD FIELD RD.

DURRANCE LAKE

IA BAY PATRIC

D. HR NIC SAA ST WE

KEATING X RD.

ELK LAKE

BEAVER LAKE

PROSPECT LAKE

AR BU TU S

D. ON R KIN S WIL

FORT ST.

D.

CADBORO BAY

CH R

BAY ST.

RD .

BEA

ESQUIMALT

SHELBOURNE ST.

1A

CEDAR HILL RD.

.

RD KE O SO

O BL CE VD AN .

SAANICH

RD.

1 GOL AVE DSTRE .

AM

INSOP

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ASH RD .

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THETIS LAKE PARK

BLENK

LANGFORD LAKE

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RO K DR OA

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Victoria & The Saanich Peninsula

Victoria

COLWOOD LANGFORD & METCHOSIN

IN OS CH T ME

DOWNTOWN VICTORIA

.

RD

16 renters guide November 23 - December 07, 2012

FERRIES TO PORT ANGELES WA., U.S.A

FERRIES TO SEATTLE & BELLINGHAM WA., U.S.A

Victoria

Itziar

Itziar

MANAGEMENT LTD.

Princess Patricia

MANAGEMENT LTD.

The Lord/Lady Simcoe

701 - 703 ESQUIMALT RD.

The Lord Simcoe 450 SIMCOE ST.

James Bay area, concrete hi-rise. 1 & 2 bedroom suites available. Free heat and hot water, close to all amenities.

Sorry, no pets.

The Lady Simcoe 440 SIMCOE ST.

1 bdrm. + 2 bdrm. suites Waterfront Concrete high-rise Free heat and hot water Fitness centre and tenant lounge Sorry, no pets

BOTH SIMCOES ENJOY THE BEAUTIFUL COURTYARD AND OUTDOOR SWIMMING POOL.

WELL MAINTAINED BUILDING! SPECTACULAR MOUNTAIN AND WATER VIEWS!

We’re gonna need

a bigger place!

604.385.3111 Itziar

0015270 4712

0015278 4712

250.382.2223

To view The Lord & Lady Simcoe call

MANAGEMENT LTD.

Cordon Place 1550 RICHMOND AVE.

• 1 bedroom & 1 bedroom plus den • Near Royal Jubilee Hospital WELL MAINTAINED BUILDING! find your happy place.

To view Cordon Place please call at

250.598.6774

0015294_4712

• • • • •

55+ building in the James Bay area.

Free heat and hot water, close to all amenities, sauna, billiards room, concrete hi-rise. Sorry, no pets.

November 23 - December 07, 2012 renters guide 17

fundamentallyspeaking

how to avoid

A MOVING SCAM B Y WAY N E K A R L

W

hen moving to a new apartment there’s lots to do, but the biggest question of all is the physical move – how are your possessions, from furniture to boxes, going to get from point A to point B. Who will you hire? Who will your mover be?

People often don’t consider a mover as an important member of their team of professionals. However, given the critical role they perform – taking possession, at least temporarily, of all your worldly goods and moving them without loss or damage – it’s a function not to be taken for granted.

Not doing your due diligence and taking the time to select a reputable mover can invite untold problems.

The following example is all too common. So is the lesson learned – unfortunately, the hard way.

I contracted a “professional” moving company recently to carry out a last-minute move of five pieces of furniture on behalf of my son, a university student. For a variety of reasons, we decided to hire movers rather than rent a truck.

After calling several firms – including large, well-known companies and smaller, independent ones – I selected a moving company to make our move to an out-oftown location.

We agreed on price ($350) and time (9 a.m.). I was very clear the move would involve an out-of-town destination. All details were confirmed in a “contract” exchanged via email.

The crew was on time for the move the next morning, but almost immediately began talking about a higher rate – $360.

Not a huge difference but it immediately raised my suspicions.

I’ll spare you all the gory details, but it’s important to share the lowlights of what happened next: » The company I originally contracted the job to the night before was inexplicably

unavailable to actually do the move the next morning, and apparently passed it off to another firm. » My original contact, who was easily available on cell phone repeatedly the night before, suddenly was nowhere to be found. » Once the truck was loaded, the fee increased to $450. » Upon arrival, the movers said the fee was $500. “It’s taking longer than we thought, and the furniture is heavier.” » “Sure,” I said, “right after I call thepolice.”

With that, the sordid tale ended. The job not complete, left for us to move the furniture indoors, now the victims of one of the Top 10 scams monitored by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). “I could write a thesis on this,” John Levi, president of the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM), told me.

CAM offers consumers the following tips on how to avoid being scammed: » Find reputable movers through the CAM, BBB or provincial government consumer protection agencies » Ask three movers for estimates in writing » Get the terms and conditions in writing » Ensure your goods will be protected from loss or damage

» Read customer reviews on movers’ websites and other forums “Consumers have some recourse with their provincial government’s consumer affairs department and with the BBB,” Levi says.

“Both of these avenues are fraught with difficulties and often take many months to come to some form of resolution – satisfactory or otherwise. And often, the mover simply outwaits the consumer.

“It’s far simpler and more effective to engage a reputable mover in advance rather than trying to fix a bad situation after the fact.”

My example, though painful and infuriating, is minor compared to other common horror stories involving similarly unsuspecting clients. Make sure you take the proper steps – and the time – to protect yourself.

Wayne Karl is an awardwinning writer and editor with experience in real estate and business.

Email Wayne at wayne. karl@wall2wallmedia. com or follow him at Twitter.com/WayneKarl

Type

1

Price

St

Building & Address

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Rental DiRectoRy

• • • • • •

•

•

•

• • •

• • • • • • • • HT/HW • • • • Rental • • • Rental • HT/HW • • • • • • • • HT/HW •

• •

• • •

MR

•

•

• • • •

• • HT/HW • • • • • • • • • • • • • • HT/HW •

• •

•

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LR

• • •

HT/HW

HT/HW

FrOm

abbotsfoRD Homestead Estates 32101 Mt Waddington Ave

$775

LR

Huron Court 31790 Union Ave

$675

LR

Valley View Terrace 2750 Fuller St

$680

LR

buRnaby Burnaby Centre 4288 Grange St

HR

California Gardens 8350 - 11th Avenue

$929

LR

Cornerstone (SFU) 8950 University High Street

$950

LR

Horizon Towers 5050 Sanders Street

$939

HR

Lougheed Village 9500 Erickson Dr

$900

HR

coquitlam Braemar Court 600 Smith Avenue

$979

Kent Place 533 Cottonwood Ave

$610

ridgemont Apartments 1117 Ridgeway Ave

$749

rivers Inlet 1145 Inlet St

LR TH/LR

Sydney Place 544 Sydney Ave

$750

langley Town & Country Apartments 20740 56 Ave new westminsteR Princeton Place 1021 Howay St

$815

LR

St Andrews Court 910 St Andrews St

$700

LR

• • • •

$675

LR

HR

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$675

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noRth Delta Deltita Gardens 8507 120th St noRth vancouveR marlborough Tower 144 West 14th St

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poRt mooDy Woodland Park 1190 Cecile Drive

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RichmonD Blair House 10100-No. 3 Road

suRRey maple Place 10675 150th St

$695

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SML

At Home in a Great Community Visit us at

The Renters Guide makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of our index, however availability and prices change daily.

Please refer to the specific ad and call the advertiser for more details.

November 23 - December 07, 2012 renters guide 19

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Building & Address Surrey Gardens 12747 - 102 Ave.

$695

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Surrey Village 9835 King George Highway

$679

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Cedartree Village 7155 Hall Road

$650

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Suncreek Estates 7151 133B St vancouveR 600 Drake 600 Drake Street

$825

Alexander Tower 1326 West 13th Ave

HR

Almata 3675 West 7th Ave

HR

Bay Tower 1461 Harwood St

HR

Beach Towers 1600 Beach Ave

HR

Bellevue Tower 4639 West 10th Ave

HR

Brockton House 1640 Alberni St

HR

Carlton House 1540 Burnaby St

LR

Casa Bella 840 Broughton St

HR

Casa Del Vandt 1265 Cardero St

LR

Cassiar Court 1750 Cassiar Street

$925

Central Plaza 1160 Haro St

HR

Cresta 855 Jervis St

HR

Crestview Terrace 1414 Davie St

HR

Crystal Court 1434 Burnaby St

HR

Earles Court 3428 Crowley Drive

$1475

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Emerald Terrace 2045 Nelson St

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English Bay Tower 1750 Davie St

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Flamingo 2061 Beach Ave

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Fraser Pointe 3033/3083 East Kent Avenue N.

$750

Fraser Pointe 3033/3083 East Kent Avenue N.

$1390

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Hendry House 1265 Burnaby St

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Hollyburn Court 550 West 12th Ave

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Ilikai 1905 Robson St

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Infinity 828 Howe St

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Katherine Anne 2054 Comox St

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20 renters guide November 23 - December 07, 2012

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Building & Address

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ud io /B Be ac dr he lo o 2 Be om r dr 3+ oo Be m Ut d r ilit oo m ie Pa s I rk ncl in ud Ba g ed lc on Po y/ ol Pat io /S Fi ol tn ar es iu La s m un dr St y or ag Fu e rn is Ne he ar d Pe Tran ts s O it K

rental Directory

Nicola Place 1228 Nicola St

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Ocean Park Place 990 Broughton St

$1221

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Parkside Village 3610-3696 William St / 3645-3659 Charles St $1460

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Reid Manor 1875 West 7th Ave

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Royal Villa 8675 French St

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Santana 1251 Jervis St

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Seaside Plaza 2324 West 1st Ave

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Shannon Tower 5976 Tisdall St

HR

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Shaughnessy House 1465 West 12th Ave

HR

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Somerset 1033 Haro St

HR

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South Granville 1355 West 14th Ave

HR

The Bradford 3535 Crowley Drive

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The Dogwood 2040 Nelson St

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The Glenmore 1885 Barclay Ave

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The Henlyn 1225 West 13th Ave

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The Hollies 6450 East Boulevard

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The Marquis 1355 Pendrell St

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The Melbourne 3433 Crowley Drive

$745

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The Remington 3528 Vanness Avenue

$840

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The Royale 1848 West 3rd Ave

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The Skyline 1305 West 12th Ave

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The Westridge 4170/4180 Nanaimo Street

$755

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University Manor 4640 West 10th Ave

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Villa Cardello 1580 Haro St

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Wessex Gate 3408 Crowley Drive

$775

Willow Gardens 6111 Tisdall St Windsor 1924 Barclay St

victoria Christie Pointe Apartments 2951 Craigowan Road

$979

Parkwest Apartments 55 Bay Street

$829

LR/TH

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west vancouver Hollyburn Plaza 1775 Bellevue Ave

HR

The Iona 1370 Clyde Ave

LR

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LR - Low Rise * HR - High Rise * TH - Townhome * MR - Medium Rise

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November 23 - December 07, 2012 renters guide 21