Accommodation Marketplace Beta Program FAQ

Last updated: September 21, 2026

This FAQ answers the questions agencies ask most often about the Accommodation Marketplace beta program.

The Accommodation Marketplace is still in beta, so some details may change before the full launch, and a few features noted below are still on the way.

Pricing and fees

Does the price shown already include high-season fees?

Yes. The price shown includes everything the student needs to pay. There are no hidden or surprise fees added later, including for high-season dates.

Are fees for minors included in the price?

The accommodation provider has not indicated any additional fees for minors, so you can assume there are no extra minor fees.

How does Edvisor's pricing compare to booking through the school?

Edvisor's pricing is competitive. It either matches what schools already charge or is slightly lower.

Booking and choosing accommodation

Can I choose which homestay or apartment the student gets?

Yes. Edvisor gives agencies and students more transparency than accommodation booked directly through a school.

For homestays, the provider shares a number of options. You can read the details of the family, house, and neighbourhood before confirming the booking.

For apartments, there are two types. With a specific apartment, you get exactly what is shown in the accommodation details. With a generic listing (for example, "Co-Living in Downtown Vancouver"), you are guaranteed something that matches the description and price point, and the provider shares a few options for you to choose from.

Is there a minimum stay?

Yes. The accommodation provider currently requires a two-week minimum. Search results always show at least the two-week price, so if you search for one week, the price shown is still the two-week price.

Can I communicate with the accommodation provider directly?

Yes. After you send the booking, you can message the provider directly through the chat built into the booking. Responses are usually quick.

Does the provider need messages in English?

No. Edvisor automatically translates all communication.

Who signs the custodianship agreement for minors?

The accommodation provider signs the custodianship agreement for minors. This was previously signed by the school.

Payments

What payment methods are supported?

Most countries support both bank transfer and credit card, processed through Transfermate. Brazil currently supports bank transfer only.

How does the payment flow work?

You pay a placement fee to secure the booking. Once the provider accepts the booking, you have 48 hours to secure it by paying either the placement fee or the full amount. If neither is paid within 48 hours, the booking reverts to a draft and the accommodation is not secured.

The placement fee can be paid by the agency, or by the student directly using a payment link. It is normally paid by credit card (in Brazil, by bank transfer). After the placement fee, you pay the remaining amount, either in full or on a payment schedule.

Does the student have to pay the full amount upfront?

No. A placement fee is paid first to confirm the booking, and the remaining amount follows. The remaining amount can be paid in full or spread across a monthly payment schedule during the stay.

How does the payment schedule work?

For the remaining amount after the placement fee, you can set up a payment schedule. Think of it as monthly rent paid across the length of the stay.

Payments are requested 15 days before each month is due. For example, if rent is due on March 1, payment to Edvisor is expected by February 14. This gives us time to remit payment to the provider.

How does payment work in Brazil, where only bank transfer is available?

The steps are the same: you pay the placement fee or the full amount to secure the booking. Because only bank transfer is supported in Brazil, you have 48 hours to complete the transfer to secure the booking.

Do payments go to the accommodation provider or to Edvisor?

Payments go directly to Edvisor. We remit payment to the accommodation provider behind the scenes.

Cancellations, refunds, and deposits

What are the terms and conditions and the cancellation or refund policy?

This varies by accommodation provider and is not shown in-app yet (coming soon). You can request it from the provider during the booking process.

Is the placement fee refundable?

No. Once paid, the placement fee is non-refundable, as it is used to secure the accommodation. If the student cancels for any reason, they are subject to the provider's refund policy. Most providers refund payments made before the stay begins, but the placement fee is not refunded.

Who returns the security deposit at the end of the stay?

The accommodation provider returns the security deposit directly, not Edvisor.

Commission

How much commission will I receive, and where is it shown?

The commission is not clearly shown in-app yet. The current commission is $100 CAD per successful booking. In the future, when Rewards launches, agencies will also earn rewards proportional to the length of the accommodation booking.

When is commission paid to the agency?

Payout timing is still being finalised, but the current plan is to pay commissions at the end of each month. All commissions are tracked automatically, so there is no need to report payouts to the finance team.

Support

Who should the student contact if there is a problem with the accommodation?

The student can always reach out to the agency. We also encourage agencies to share the provider's emergency contact and support details directly, so the student can get help faster. The provider is best placed to respond quickly to any situation.