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What visitors need to know about B.C.'s new short-term rental rules

Last updated on May 7, 2024

As of May 1st, 2024, there are new rules for short-term rental hosts and platforms in B.C. Learn more on this page about what people travelling within B.C. and visitors to B.C. should know when booking and staying at a short-term rental.

B.C. is taking action to deliver more homes for people. Like many jurisdictions around the world facing a housing shortage, B.C. is introducing rules to rein in short-term rentals that are taking away homes from people who need them. These rules will help balance the need to create more long-term homes for residents, including people who work in the tourism and hospitality industry, with the need to accommodate visitors.

This page provides information on what people travelling within B.C. and visitors to B.C. need to know:

  • if they have a trip booked in B.C. involving a short-term rental after May 1, 2024
  • if they are planning a trip to B.C. and looking to stay at a short-term rental after May 1, 2024
  • other resources for visitors to British Columbia

What is a short-term rental?

The Province defines short-term rentals as accommodations provided to members of the public on, or inside, a host’s property, in exchange for money, for a period of less than 90 consecutive days. Short-term rentals do not include stays at hotels, motels, or strata hotels.

What is happening with short-term rentals in British Columbia?

Effective May 1, 2024, the Province is implementing a provincial principal residence requirement in most urban communities in B.C. This will limit short-term rentals in these communities to the host’s principal residence (where a host lives for the majority of the year).

Hosts will also be required to display a business license in areas where they are required by a local government.

I am planning a trip to B.C. and want to stay in a short-term rental after May 1, 2024. Will this be allowed?

Yes, people will still be able to stay in short-term rental accommodations that follow local and provincial rules. To help make sure everything goes according to plan for your stay, you can also check with your short-term rental host directly confirm they comply with their local government regulations and with B.C.’s new short-term rental rules that come into effect on May 1st, 2024

Is my trip now automatically cancelled if I booked my short-term rental before May 1st?

The responsibility to follow B.C.’s new short-term rental rules falls on the host and platform you booked your trip with. Guests will not be responsible for cancelling trips.

Will I be fined if I stay at a non-compliant short-term rental after May 1st?

No, guests will not face any fines for staying in a short-term rental that does not comply with the rules. The responsibility to comply with new short-term rental regulations is on the host and the short-term rental platform. Many hosts in B.C. are already operating in compliance with local bylaws.

My host cancelled my trip, will I get my money back?

All refunds for cancelled trips will follow the host and platform’s cancellation policy. Check with the short-term rental platform you booked your stay with for more information.

If I think my trip doesn’t follow the new rules and I cancel it, will I get my money back?

All refunds for cancelled trips will follow the host and platform’s cancellation policy. Check with the short-term rental platform you booked your stay with for more information.

How do I know which communities are exempt from Short-Term Rental regulations in B.C.?

A full list of communities where the new requirements do apply is available on the provincial principal residence requirement page.

Resources for visitors to B.C.

Disclaimer

The information on this webpage about the Province of British Columbia’s Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act and regulations is provided for the user’s convenience as a basic starting point. It is not a substitute for getting legal advice or other professional advice. If there is a conflict between the information on this webpage and the legislation or regulations, the legislation and regulations prevail. The interpretation of legislation is also affected by court decisions. This information may be subject to change, including changes due to the legislative process.

Please contact ServiceBC if you have questions about B.C.'s new short-term rental legislation.

  • ServiceBC is open Mon to Fri from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm with help available on the phone, toll free, in 140 languages and for people who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired.
  • Service is also available by text, email or in-person at a government service center.