Seasonal staff on balance tend to pay over the odds, their choices are limited and they have a reputation for being hard on property.
But I have rented to seasonal staff since 2003, and if you respect your renters and stay visible, they will respect you and your property - there is always going to be wear and tear but usually no more and often less, than vacation renters.
So, some tips for owners renting to seasonal staff.
1. Meet them or have your agent meet them.
2. Take 6 months rent up front or first and last months rent.
3. Take a damage deposit.
4. Get a contract signed by all or a head tenants.
5. Do not permit 'friends' to stay for a couple of nights.
6. Girls are (usually) cleaner than boys.
7. Check the property regularly.
8. Inform the tenants of any noise (or other relevant) by-laws before they occupy the property.
9. Direct deposit is the best way of collecting rent, followed by credit card, cheque and then cash.
10. Rent payment holds varying places on the list of tenants priorities - it is usually behind beer, snowboarding, socialising, shopping. :)
11. Couples can be good unless they break up, and remember for many this is their first time travelling together - break-ups happen.
12. Be Nice! Expect minor wear and tear, expect some noise, expect them to be untidy, expect them to get drunk. Most of these kids (it is a broad definition) are good kids, so treat them fairly.
And pay back the damage deposit promptly - these kids are usually broke by the end of the season.
But what about the Staff...? You ask? Well here is something I didn't prepare earlier.
1. Find your place early! Really, I cannot emphasize this enough - there are around 1300 seasonal staff arrive at Big White every year - 90%+ are looking for accommodation after they arrive. Starting in the hostels, and immediately scouring snowpines for places to share - the same as the other 1,290 people. It becomes a renters market - which means higher costs and lower quality accommodation...
2. Read Tip one again!
3. If you are doing this early enough you can decide where you want to live - what is important to you? Access to the village for work/recreation? Ski in/out? Amenities? I have lived in Snowpines, top of the village and Happy Valley - Happy Valley is #1 for me, but I have kids and dogs - school, cross country trails, skating rink, Moose Lounge and the gondola gives me immediate village access. These are important for me. Decide where you want to live.
4. Choose your roomies carefully! For many Big White is the first time away from home and people have different levels of personal hygiene...
5. Decide on some common sense house rules - shared cleaning, groceries etc.
6. Damage - hmmm, do not buy a BB gun and put up a target - you will use it when you are drunk. But consider, if you have one guy (girls don't usually get punchy, although I did have one girlfriend...) who trashes the place - you are all responsible. See tip 4.
7. Keep in contact with the owner or contact person, let them know of any issues - if the fridge breaks they will fix it. If the fridge breaks because you chucked it off the deck, they won't fix it...
8. Pay your rent by direct bank deposit - it is much easier to prove you have paid.
9. Respect the property you are in.
10. Work out a budget for the season before hand, figure on $550 per month per person for shared accom, add $40+/- for utilities, and factor in - food, drink, socializing etc.
11. Don't sign up for utilities, have the owner keep them in their name and reimburse - don't make it difficult.
Big White have about 130 pillows they manage, dedicated to their 'first-time' staff - if you have never spent a season at Big White, this could be a good option. The rates are lower - $425 - $450 per month but your accommodation is tied to your job - lose your job, you lose your bed! Mostly bunks but probably better than the hostel.
Remember Tip 1. Whether you find a luxury place in Happy Valley, sharing with 6 other people or a basement dump in Snowpines sharing with 11 others, your rents will be similar - the quality variable is a function of time not money!
So here is my pitch - Sólido Properties rents and manages their own and other properties - if you need property management or guaranteed rental income talk to us, if you are looking for long term or seasonal rentals talk to us, if you need marital advice, have health issues, problem children/pets, drink/drugs problem or any other issue... don't talk to us.
www.solido-properties.com
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| Yes, you cannot stay here! :) |
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