Do you really need tenant insurance? The short answer is yes. According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, about half of all renters don’t take out any kind of tenant’s insurance. This could be due to misconceptions about renters insurance and who has you covered. Here we would like to de-bunk some of these myths and explain why it is so important for renters to be protected financially in the event of major unexpected damages or losses.
For one, as a tenant you are liable – yes, legally responsible – for the harm you cause to any part of your building and to others who live or visit there. For instance, if a faulty toaster starts a fire in your place that damages the hallway or the apartment next door, you could find yourself liable for the cost of repairs to the whole building. We at Hollyburn Properties would like to mitigate this possibility and therefore require all residents of rental apartments to preemptively protect themselves. In fact, you sign on it when sealing the apartment leasing documentation.
Myth #1: It Costs Too Much!
One of the biggest misconceptions about renters insurance is the cost. Hollyburn has set up a Value-Added Partnership with Falkins Insurance and the unbeatable savings are exclusive to our residents. Contents coverage up to $30,000 costs a reasonable $260 for the year. That works out to roughly $21/month. We have tried to negotiate a price that allows everyone to afford some peace of mind. While your possessions may be valuable, liability costs can be enormous.
Myth #2: I’m Covered By My Landlord’s Insurance
Unfortunately, the landlord policy only protects the landlord; it covers the structure of the rental property but does not protect your possessions. If a fire causes damage so severe that you can’t stay in your rental home, renter’s insurance might help pay for your temporary lodging, whereas your landlord’s policy would not. Best to err on the side of caution and ensure your valuables are protected.
The best way to select the coverage appropriate for you is to take an inventory of your possessions. Get to know your stuff and keep your records safe. A good option is available through both the Insurance Bureau of Canada and the Insurance Information Institute. At both websites, the software can be downloaded for storage on a secure server. It’s also a good idea to keep receipts and warranties for big ticket items such as TV’s, computers, or bikes. Receipts serve as proof of ownership and value if you need to make a claim.
Overall, a modest monthly insurance fee could make all of the difference in the event of theft, fire, flood, severe weather events or any other unexpected calamity. Renters insurance is a smart investment that won’t break the bank!
Jun
14
Have you ever considered renting an apartment on Vancouver’s quiet, beautiful and tranquil North Shore? A short commute to downtown Vancouver, residents who cross the Lions Gate Bridge for work are keen on preserving their well-kept secret: life in North and West Van has the feel of a small, quaint waterfront town with all of the convenience of living in the big city.
Hollyburn Properties’ “Suite of the Month” is a unique, bright and spacious one bedroom available June 1st.
Details:
- 12th floor
- 670 sq ft.
- Hardwood floors
- Granite counters
- Mirrored sliding closet doors
- Fully renovated kitchen and bathroom
- Balcony with spectacular South-facing ocean and city views
- Avail June. 1 from $1850
The award-winning Bellevue Tower West building is located in the neighbourhood of Ambleside, just one block from the seawall and steps to grocery stores, cafes, boutiques and restaurants. The building has a state-of-the-art gym, 24 hour laundry facility and even a rest and relaxation room with free wifi to take advantage of when doing chores. Our resident manager Vitalie would be happy to show you the suite and building amenities. Call him today @604.922.8815 or send him an e-mail bellevue@hollyburn.com.
May
28
Do your apartment fixtures need updating, is your tap leaking, or have the washing machines begun to fail at keeping your whites their brightest? It might be time to contact your rental apartment resident manager for a maintenance request. According to a technical assistance research study cited by All Property Management, 96% of customers don’t complain when they have a problem. Hollyburn Properties strives to provide punctual and comprehensive support, service and professionalism at all times.
The Study suggests reasons why people leave their current rental apartment:
- 3% move out of the area
- 5% buy a house
- 9% find a better place
- 14% simply don’t like their apartment
- 65% felt slighted in some way by their landlord or staff
65% is a huge potential loss. Initiated by genuine concern and with a focus on customer service, Hollyburn has renewed our commitment towards our residents’ happiness, security and well-being in their suite and in their building.
In order to succeed in our mission we recognize that residents need opportunities to voice their concerns. We would like to encourage all residents to come to us with complaints should anything arise in order to solve the problem as quickly as possible. Tools to help residents alert us to potential problems could include:
- Periodically placing a “Just Checking” card on our residents front doors
- Providing a “Comments Box” in a lobby or common area
- Leave a “Rate Your Maintenance” card when a service request is completed
We recognize that not every problem can be fixed. We do, however, vow to do our best to respond in a timely fashion and to accommodate our residents as best as we
can. We welcome any suggestions on streamlining our processes. Requests can be directed to katrina@hollyburn.com.
P.S. Stay tuned for our upcoming resident portal, which will allow tenants to log-in online to receive building updates, pay their rent and make maintenance requests, ensuring every inquiry is addressed ASAP!
May
24
The Victoria Day long weekend is upon us! Let’s be honest: Monday-Friday, 9-5’ers across the country have been looking forward to this weekend all month. If you weren’t able to invite yourself to a friend’s cabin or cottage this weekend fear not; Hollyburn Properties has prepared the “Long Weekend Staycation Survival Guide” for staying in town.
Vancouver: 
While the rains have returned, that has never stopped us ruthless Vancouverites from exploring our city and coastline. Here are some ideas of what to do:
Calgary:
- Every May long weekend, 100,000 ladybugs are released into the Priddis Valley Gardens as part of an annual festival in the insect’s honour. The festival features live music, food, massage, yoga and an activity tent for kids.
- Calgary’s Heritage Park Historical Village opens this weekend. Discover “how the West was once” at Canada’s largest living history museum.
Ottawa:
- Officially known as the Canadian Tulip Festival, this weekend wraps up the 61st edition. Millions of tulips are in bloom, creating a beautiful mosaic of colour in Ottawa-Gatineau.
- This Saturday join headliner Wafik Nasralla at The Barley Mow Laugh Out Loud Comedy Show (Bank Street); with Wafik will be local comics Matt Watson, Wendi Reed, and Brad Doiron!
Toronto:
- The Toronto International Circus Festival is in town; a free, three-day showcase of acrobats, daredevils, buskers and more, aimed at children under 12.
- MEC hosts their annual celebration for bike aficionados: Bikefest. It’s a community celebration of all things bike related with skills clinics, demos, and workshops.
As you can see there are many events going on to keep you happy, entertained and full this long weekend. Sleep in, relax and get out in your community to enjoy the beginning of Canada’s summer season!
May
17
Apartment living presents us all with unique benefits as well as challenges. One of these concerns is the ability to get to know your neighbours. For whatever reason, apartment dwellers are notorious for slipping silently into their units without taking the time to introduce themselves and socialize with their rental community. Hence one of the reasons Hollyburn Properties hosts its annual summer BBQ’s…
But on another note, research has shown that knowing your neighbours by name can create a safer home environment. Our friends south of the border at the National Apartment Association head quarters looked into whether the security of our rental communities has fallen by the wayside as a result of our reserved nature.
Knowing one’s neighbour can have a significant effect on creating a sense of security in one’s community:
- 72% of homeowners report that, because they know their neighbours, they are confident that their neighbours will act if suspicious activity occurs around their home
- 47% of Americans who know their neighbours say, because of this, they have no immediate plans to move
- 35% of Americans who know their neighbours have shared information with them about crime and safety in the neighbourhood
- 50% of Americans who know their neighbours say, because of this, they have received help with a lost pet or have helped with a neighbours lost pet or rescued animal
The data doesn’t lie. Invite your neighbour over for coffee or a beer. It could mean the difference between feeling safe about leaving your apartment for the weekend, or fearing the worst. Take control of your environment and leave nothing up to chance by getting to know one another and looking out for each other!
May
11
