This Knowledge Base (KB) document addresses frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to business setup, operations, and best practices for Vacarya partners. It provides practical steps, trusted contacts, and useful links for Canadian entrepreneurs expanding into the U.S. market and managing short-term rental businesses.
Why This Matters Navigating cross-border business structures, setting up financial systems, securing leases, hiring the right team, and handling Airbnb operations can be complex. This FAQ document centralizes answers and tools, saving time, ensuring compliance, and helping partners scale effectively.
What You Need
You are a Canadian citizen or entrepreneur exploring U.S. expansion.
You are working with or planning to work with Vacarya.
You have reviewed or are enrolled in the Vacarya training/masterclass.
Steps / Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Business Setup
Q: What do I need to know for Business Setup?
A: You can learn what you need to know in our Quick Start Guide
Q: Who can help me set up a business in the U.S. if I’m Canadian?
Set up a Canadian corporation first via Ownr.co or your lawyer/accountant.
For the U.S., contact Mark Canfield (mcanfield@lippes.com) to establish an LP and GP. You’ll receive EINs in 10–14 business days.
Get a U.S. mailing address at https://physicaladdress.com/ (required for banking).
Q: What’s an EIN / ITIN?
EIN: U.S. business ID (needed for banking).
ITIN: U.S. personal tax ID (like SIN). Apply via https://frugalflyer.ca/itin/
Q: What bank do you recommend?
Relayfi.com is fast and remote.
CIBC USA (if you bank with CIBC Canada). Contact: Prexa Patel (prexa.patel2@cibc.com)
Q: Can I start lease hunting before the bank setup is done?
Yes. Relayfi helps speed up banking. You can begin lease hunting in parallel.
Q: How much capital do I need to furnish units?
1-bed: $12,000
2-bed: $15,000
Houses: $30,000+
Q: How do I send money to Vacarya for setup?
Wire transfer, ACH, or credit card authorization. Call your bank in advance for large transactions.
at this link. https://www.vacarya.com/payment
Q: Why do I need a physical address?
Required to register your business and receive mail. Also used for credit building.
Q: What mailing services do you recommend?
Business: https://physicaladdress.com/
Personal: https://247parcel.com/mailbox.html
Q: Do I need an EIN for each entity?
Yes: one each for LP, GP, and CAD LP.
Leasing
Q: How do I secure leases with Vacarya?
When you are ready, go to http://Vacarya.com/leasing (Password: Vacarya101$) and fill out this form.
Our Customer Success Team will share all available leases with you in your Group Chat on WhatsApp.
You will just let us know what opportunities you're keen to take on, and we'll get you set up!
Cleaners, Handymen, & Turno
Q: How do I use Turno?
Invite your cleaner (e.g., found via Thumbtack) to Turno.
They’ll receive setup instructions and can get paid via the app.
Cleaner training video available.
Q: Where do I find good cleaners?
Use Thumbtack, Turno, or Google.
Ask the community, or your building chat, for recommended cleaners.
Interview for STR experience and attention to detail.
Watch the "Hiring Your Power Team" video in the Masterclass.
Q: How do I find a handyman?
Use Thumbtack, TaskRabbit, Facebook Marketplace, or Google.
Airbnb Operations
Q: Should I cancel guest bookings myself?
No. Ask the guest to cancel to avoid penalties.
Q: How does Aircover work?
Full SOP in the Master Course. Covers claims for damages, extra guests, etc.
Q: Which cancellation policy is best?
We recommend using the "Strict" policy.
Q: Should I accept off-platform bookings?
Only for mid-term stays. Always collect payment upfront via wire and include a deposit.
Q: Guest brought an unregistered animal — what now?
Ask if it’s a service animal. If not, charge a pet fee.
Ask for breed, weight, vax records, and photos.
Q: Should we allow pets?
This is up to you and your brand/business, but we generally don't recommend allowing pets as they can cause more complications and damage.
Rent Payments
Q: How do I pay rent?
Follow this process: Rent Payment Process
Ongoing Support
Q: Should I use social media to promote my listings?
Optional. Great for brand-building or unique listings. Airbnb already markets your listings.
Q: How do I get Superhost status?
Host 10+ trips
90%+ response rate
<1% cancellation rate
4.8+ star rating
Q: What is the Guest Favorite badge?
Based on review quality, host responsiveness, and reliability.
Must have at least 5 reviews.
Q: Can I pay rent with a credit card?
Depending on the specific unit, we can help you if this is what you want to do. Just ask in your group chat.
Hiring Virtual Assistants (VAs)
Q: Where do I find VAs?
Use onlinejobs.ph
Pay $4–$8/hr
Q: How do I train a VA?
Start with small tasks (messages, check-ins).
Gradually expand responsibilities.
VAs are a tax-deductible expense.
SEO & Reviews
Q: How do I improve SEO?
Refer to the SEO SOP
Q: Any tips to boost visibility beyond Airbnb?
Social media can help if your listing is unique or you want to build a brand.
We have a direct booking site that can also help grow your listings.
If your question isn’t listed here, reach out to the Customer Success Team or post your questions in your group chat.