Housing

Renting a home:

Make sure you get a tenancy agreement (between the owner and you) which states terms like rent, how long the agreement will last and any other conditions
Make sure you understand everything in the agreement as it will affect your living (get advice or translator if necessary
Make sure you always pay your monthly rent on time, you often pay one month in advance and half of a month rent worth for damage deposit
Make Sure to keep all receipts from owner
Solve any serious problem by using low-cost dispute resolution service

Find Rental homes or basement suites by searching online housing agents, newspaper or bulletin boards up in recreational buildings

Buying a home:

Buying a home can be costly in BC
Anyone from newcomers and non-residents can buy land, professional advice is recommended
For information please visit Canada Mortgage and Housing Step-by-Step Guide
You can find homes or land to buy at online websites such as MLS or newspapers or even signs in front of homes

Looking for a home:

You can use online websites to look for houses and categorize according to your needs and desires
- Some websites you may want to see: Remax, Zolo, Rew, Royalle, and Century21

Electricity:

Once you find the desirable home for you, you will pay an electrical amount and pay for the electricity you use up in the household
If you live on rental, check your agreement as it will include the electrical payments
You will receive an invoice every month and the electrical service will start a few days after you begin an account
You can ask your neighbours, family, or settlement services workers how to get in contact with the electricity utility

Heating:

Heat may or may not be included in your rent or electrical bill(if you have electric heat)
If not, you will have to contact the natural gas utility in your community or area
Usually only takes a few days for the service to start

Communication Services:

You can choose from several landline, cellphone, cable and internet services to help your needs
They often provide a variety of services and price plans
Will often begin within hours
By buying several things from one provider will allow you to get discounts and sign a contract for one or two years(pay penalty if you end early)
- Agreements can be complex so do not agree to something if you do not understand

Insurance:

Insurance will allow homeowners and renters to have security and it will replace the home or any belongings if there is a fire, burglary, or other losses
If you used a mortgage, you may need to insure

More information at: WelcomeBC