If you’ve got a condo up at Big White, there’s a good chance you’ve thought about renting it out. When the snow starts falling, Big White becomes a global magnet for skiers, snowboarders, and families looking for a winter adventure. That means your condo can make you money when you’re not using it. But before you list it online and hand over the keys, there’s work to be done. Vacation rentals need to look the part, run like a business, and follow the rules. However, once you’ve set it up right, the workload is much less. In this post, we’ll walk through how to get your condo ready for Big White vacation rentals!
Getting Your Condo Ready for Guests
When you decide to turn your condo into a rental property, you need to consider the business side of things. When guests walk in, they expect a clean space, that feels comfortable, and is well-stocked. Think of the basics like bedrooms, seating areas, and dining spaces, but don’t forget the small stuff either. Items like having decent pots and pans, wine glasses, extra blankets and a coffee maker that works, all contribute to a more luxurious stay.
Try to sleep there yourself for a night. If anything annoys you, it’ll probably bug your guests too. A wobbly chair or a dull knife may seem minor, but bad reviews often come from little things piling up.
The interior of your condo is ultimately up to you, but most Big White visitors aren’t looking for flashy or ultra-modern. They want somewhere warm, practical, and close to the lifts. Add a boot tray by the door, hooks for jackets, and plenty of storage for gear.
It’s also a good idea to have a locked owner’s closet for your personal items. Stock the rest of the condo with fresh towels, extra bedding, and basic toiletries. It’s easier to replace things regularly than deal with complaints.
Legal Stuff, Platforms, and Pricing for Big White Vacation Rentals
With the popularity of vacation rentals in the Interior of B.C, throwing your condo on Vrbo and calling it a day, won’t suffice. Before you begin the rental process, start by checking with your strata. Most buildings at Big White allow vacation rentals, but others have rules or limits. If you ignore strata bylaws, you could end up fined, or worse.
Big White falls under the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB), which makes operating a short-term rental much simpler. In the RDKB, you don’t need a business license to operate a vacation rental and there is no principal residence requirement. With this in mind, you do still need to register with the province before you can operate.
Once you’re clear on the legal side, it’s time to list. Airbnb and Vrbo are obvious choices, but don’t stop there. Some property managers in the area offer direct booking through their sites. If you’re using a management company, they’ll likely handle this for you.
Pricing takes a little homework. Look at similar units in terms of size, location, and number of beds to see what they charge. Then adjust based on season. You’ll earn the most between December and March, but shoulder seasons can bring in cash too. You can use pricing tools if you’re managing the rental yourself. They’ll help you adjust your rates automatically depending on seasonal demand.
Make sure your listing is honest. Don’t promise ski-in/ski-out access if it’s a ten-minute walk uphill. Guests won’t forget, and bad reviews are hard to shake!
Managing, Maintaining, and Protecting Your Rental
Once you’re ready to operate, you may be wondering who’s going to run your rental? If you live nearby and have time, you can manage it yourself. But, that means handling bookings, guest questions, cleaning, and restocking supplies. It saves money, but it’s not passive income.
If you’re not local, or you just want it off your plate, you can hire a property manager. There are a few companies based at Big White that handle everything from check-in to snow removal. However, they take a cut that is usually between 20 and 40 percent. Either way, you need a cleaning crew you can rely on. Guests expect that your unit will be spotless. Plan regular deep cleans between seasons, especially after spring melt when things get damp and gritty.
For upkeep, schedule a maintenance check every few months. Change HVAC filters, check the water heater, and keep an eye on wear and tear. In the off-season, unplug everything and shut off the water to avoid any unwanted surprises.
And don’t forget insurance. Your regular home insurance likely won’t cover short-term rentals. So, call your provider and ask for a policy that’s specific to vacation rentals. Make sure it covers liability in case a guest gets injured, and protects against theft or damage.
Contact me About Owning Big White Vacation Rentals
If you’re ready to rent out your Big White condo but not sure where to start, contact me today. Whether you need help finding a property, pricing it out, or hiring a good management team, I’ve been helping investors at Big White for years!
