— Vancouver Host Family Program
Open your home.
Earn $600–$1,000 a month.
Welcome a Japanese student or working visitor into your Vancouver home. We handle the screening, matching, and ongoing support — you build a connection that lasts a lifetime.
80+
Active host families
500+
Students placed
$1,000
Top monthly earnings
7 days
Average match time
JP + EN
Bilingual concierge
Why Vancouver Hosts Choose Kanau
Real income, real connection, real support.
You’re not signing up for a faceless rental platform. Kanau is a small, hands-on agency that vets every guest and stays involved throughout the placement.
💰
Reliable monthly income
Earn $600–$1,000 per guest each month, paid on a predictable schedule. No void months hunting for tenants.
🛡️
Pre-screened, insured guests
Every student is interviewed and background-checked before placement. Travel insurance is mandatory.
🤝
Hands-on concierge support
One real person you can call — in English or Japanese — for anything from cultural questions to logistics.
🌏
Genuine cultural exchange
Most host families stay friends with their guests for years. Some get invited to weddings back in Japan.
📋
We handle the paperwork
Application, matching, agreements, payments. You focus on being a great host.
🏡
Flexible commitment
Choose week-long, monthly, or 6-month stays. Hands-on homestay or hands-off room rental — your call.
Choose Your Hosting Style
Two ways to host, one easy process.
Whether you want full cultural immersion or a hands-off rental arrangement, we have a placement that fits your lifestyle.
★ Most Popular
Homestay Host
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Full immersion
$600 – $1,000 / month
- Guest lives as part of your family
- 2–3 home-cooked meals provided daily
- Daily English conversation practice
- Typical stay: 2 weeks – 6 months
- Best for families, empty nesters, retirees
Room Rental Host
★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ Hands-off
$500 – $800 / month
- Private room or suite, shared common areas
- No meals required — fully independent
- No daily interaction needed
- Typical stay: 1 – 12 months
- Best for busy professionals or absent owners
How It Works
Three steps from interest to welcome.
From your first inquiry to your guest’s arrival, the entire process takes about two weeks. No commitment until we find your match.
01
Apply online in 5 minutes
Tell us about your home, your family, and what kind of guest you’d love to host. We’ll book a short orientation call.
02
We match you carefully
Our bilingual coordinators pair you with a student whose interests, schedule, and personality fit your home.
03
Welcome your guest
We confirm the arrival, handle the paperwork, and stay in touch throughout the stay. You just open the door.
FAQs
Quick answers to common questions.
Who are the guests? +
Most are Japanese students aged 18–28 studying English, university exchanges, or working-holiday visa holders. All are pre-screened and have valid travel insurance.
How much can I really earn? +
Homestay placements pay $600–$1,000 per month per guest depending on meals, room size, and length of stay. Room rentals are $500–$800. Paid monthly, direct deposit.
What if there’s an issue with my guest? +
Call or message your dedicated coordinator. We mediate, translate, and if needed, arrange a re-placement quickly. You’re never on your own.
What are my responsibilities as a host? +
For homestays: a private bedroom, 2–3 meals daily, friendly conversation, and a safe welcoming environment. For room rentals: a private room and access to shared spaces.
Do I need to speak Japanese? +
Not at all. Most students come specifically to practice English. We handle any translation needed for paperwork or sensitive conversations.
Is there a fee to apply? +
No. Applying is free with no obligation. We only earn when a successful placement is made and you’re happy with your match.
Ready to open your home?
It takes 5 minutes to apply. We’ll be in touch within 1 business day to talk through your home and what kind of guest would be a great fit.
Or call us: 778-819-8303 · Mon–Fri 9am–5pm PT