In a perfect world, homeowners and landlords in Whistler would be able to rent their homes to seasonal workers without the risk of unpaid rent or damages and without the hassle of lease paperwork, collecting rent and checking on the property to make sure everything is in order.
The Whistler Housing Authority (WHA) and the Chamber of Commerce are joining forces with a local property manager to provide owners with a "hassle free" rental experience in which all the details are taken care of. All the property owners have to do is provide the space at a reasonable rate and collect the monthly cheques.
The hassle-free experience is being offered through the H.O.M.E. (Housing Our Many Employees) Project, a new initiative that aims to access rental properties that aren't currently available to seasonal employees in Whistler. The goal is to find a minimum of 100 beds for the 2007/08 winter season.
Unlike traditional seasonal rentals, the tenant will be provided through his or her employer, providing another level of security and screening that should assure potential landlords they will have quality tenants and the rent will always be paid. In fact, monthly rent cheques will be provided by the employer for the duration of the lease - a minimum term of six months - not from the tenant directly.
While rents will vary depending on the type of property and its location, organizers are aiming to charge about $500 per bed, per month. Lease terms are from November 1, 2007 - April 30, 2008, but longer leases are possible.