Parksville-Qualicum Beach Home-Share Program
Supported by Society of Organized Services (SOS), Oceanside Task Force on Homelessness – The Government of Canada’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy (OTFH-HPS), and Happipad.
We’re teaming up to address the housing crisis in the Parksville Qualicum Beach region!
Rent out the extra space in your home to a verified roommate, and you’ll be helping to alleviate the housing supply issue in our community, and you’ll earn extra income! Looking for a verified host in the region to rent from? Register here! Happipad conducts in-depth personal profiles on living habits, hobbies and more, to ensure hosts and guests are paired appropriately. SOS is a volunteer-supported, non-profit organization that has been meeting the needs and enriching the lives of District 69 residents (Nanoose Bay to Bowser) since 1968. OTFH is a collaborative group of dedicated individuals and organizations working together to address homelessness in our region. HPS is a community-based program initiated through the Government of Canada aimed at preventing and reducing homelessness.



Find a great renter.
This creative housing solution will enable individuals of all ages in our region to stay in, or return to, secure housing.
Happipad provides:
- Comprehensive background screening
- Automatic rent payments
- Compatibility matching
- Renter conflict support
- Lawyer drafted rental agreements
Feel good finding a renter you can trust, we have your back every step of the way.
How it works
(as easy as 1, 2, 3)
Register as a host

Create a room listing

Match to compatible renters

A better way to rent
Our home sharing platform exists to help people share homes and connect homeowners with vetted, compatible renters. Host on your terms with flexible rental options, set your own house rules, and meet amazing renters who want to make a positive contribution to the community.
Hosts do not need a business license and Happipad is compliant with rental bylaws. It’s easy to turn your spare room into extra income and to meet renters you will actually enjoy having around.

Our hosts love Happipad
“I’ve been a host with Happipad for a couple years now and have nothing but great things to say! I started with Happipad because I wanted to reach out to help students find a place, they can feel comfortable in and call home. Our current student is truly a part of our family.”

Paulette Facca
Host since 2019
“The whole idea of Happipad is a win both for the guest and the host. The selection methods, the security and safety, and your management of the program. I have learned how important building an operating agreement with my renter is.”

Linda
Host since 2019
“I was a bit hesitant when I first signed up, sharing your home with the unknown was scary . Happipad helped me through it. As it turned out we were both pretty pleased with our roomy and happipad!”
Dorothy Koebel
Host
Create memories and make a difference in your community today.
Extra income – Vibrant home – Giving back

Looking to rent?
Have a job offer in the Parksville-Qualicum Beach region but can’t find housing?
At Happipad, we’re committed to helping local employees find safe, comfortable, and affordable housing options. Our home sharing platform allows you to rent a spare room in an established home, giving you a unique opportunity to live with a vetted, compatible homeowner while enjoying flexible rental terms. By joining the Happipad community, you’ll have access to a network of trusted renters and homeowners, all working together to make a positive impact on our community.
FAQs
What is Happipad?
Happipad is a Canadian social enterprise dedicated to addressing Canada’s affordable housing crisis. Happipad connects hosts with compatible renters for home sharing. It offers a safe, reliable and intuitive platform for hosts to rent out their spare rooms and for renters to find affordable housing solutions.
How is Happipad different from other rental platforms?
Unlike traditional rental platforms that focus solely on long-term leases or short-term vacation rentals, Happipad caters to individuals seeking a more flexible, personalized and community-oriented housing experience with a strong emphasis on safety and trust. Happipad offers an ideal solution that bridges the gap between short-term and long-term rentals allowing renters to secure accommodations for a duration ranging from a minimum of 1 month up to 1 year with the option to renew. Whether you’re a student, newcomer, professional or digital nomad, seeking a temporary home during a work assignment, a transitional period, or an extended stay, Happipad provides the perfect middle ground for a flexible and tailored housing experience.
What are my responsibilities as a host?
As a host, your main goal is to create a warm and comfy space for your renter.
- Accommodation: Provide a furnished bedroom with essential amenities.
Safety and Security: Ensure your renter feels safe and secure during their stay. - Communication: Be an awesome communicator! Stay in touch and be open to any questions or needs they might have.
Respect Privacy: Everyone needs their space. Respect their privacy and give them their own space to settle in. - Access to Amenities: access to a shared kitchen, bathroom or common areas as agreed on.
- Cleanliness and Hygiene: Keep things tidy and clean. A fresh living space makes everyone feel good!
- House Rules: Set simple and friendly house rules for everyone’s comfort and convenience.
- Local Information: Share knowledge about your community and neighbourhood, such as shops to visit and how to use public transportation.
What are the eligibility criteria to become a host?
Becoming a host is a wonderful opportunity to make a positive impact on someone’s life. To ensure a safe and inclusive experience for all, there are some eligibility criteria you should meet:
- Registration and background check: we require four documents for the background screening
- Valid government-issued identification such as a passport or driver’s license (front and back).
- Photo of yourself (selfie) holding your chosen identification document with the identification numbers visible.
- Recent copy of a utility bill – to confirm your home address.
Void cheque or direct deposit form for monthly payment.
Private Bedroom: You must offer a private and comfortable bedroom. Offering renters their personal space is essential for privacy and comfort.
- Furnished Home: Your home should be furnished and equipped with basic amenities. Refugees will be arriving with very few possessions.
- Safe and Inclusive Home Environment: Your home should provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive atmosphere. Respect for diversity and an open-minded attitude are key.
By meeting these criteria, you can create a positive hosting experience and contribute to fostering a supportive community. Together, let’s make a difference and embrace the joy of hosting!
What if there are issues or conflicts between the host and renter?
We hope for every shared living experience to be enjoyable for both, hosts and renters. However, if a problem arises that you are unable to deal with on your own, Happipad will provide support to help you resolve the problem. We believe in helping you maintain a happy household to prevent conflicts from escalating.
How can I contact Happipad's customer support?
It’s really simple to reach our customer care team! Just visit our website and go to contact. We are available to assist you with any questions, concerns, or technical issues you may have.
How do hosts get paid?
The host and renter will sign a rental contract online through our platform. Happipad will collect and remit the monthly rent payment. Every month, the host will get paid on the agreed due date as per the contract. We handle it all for a hassle-free experience.
How does Happipad work?
Hosts and renters create profiles on Happipad, specifying their preferences and requirements. The platform uses matching preferences to suggest potential matches based on compatibility. Users can then connect, communicate, send and receive applications to find the perfect home-sharing match. Happipad also takes care of the rental agreement and payment process.
To register on our platform:
- Visit https://app.happipad.com/
- Choose a registration type.
- Fill out your details and follow the steps to complete your registration.
How are hosts and renters screened for safety?
Happipad prioritizes the safety and security of our hosts and renters. We have tools in place to assist in verifying the identity of our users. We require every listing host and booking renter to be verified and complete their background check. Additionally, Happipad encourages users to leave reviews and ratings for each other based on their experiences. Please visit our page here for more information about our screening and verification process.
The duration of a home-sharing arrangement can vary depending on the needs and preferences of hosts and renters. The duration is typically agreed upon between the parties involved; however, there is a minimum 30-day stay for rentals. We typically see 4-8 month contracts for students and 8-12 month contracts for young working professionals.
Have any questions?
We’re here to support you throughout the entire hosting process by giving you proactive tips and suggestions to maintain a harmonious home environment. If you have questions you can contact us anytime.