Register as a platform

Last updated on January 31, 2025

Short-term rental platforms must register to operate in B.C. Learn about registering as a platform operating in B.C. on this page.

On this page: 


Platform registration overview

By May 1, 2025, short-term rental platforms must be registered with the provincial short-term rental registry.

Understanding provincial requirements is the responsibility of the platform. Non-compliance with the requirements may result in penalties, such as:

  • Administrative monetary penalties, which can start at up to $10,000 per day
  • Compliance orders, which can be filed in court

To operate in B.C., platforms must register and follow all platform requirements.

For information on strata-hotel platform registration, visit the strata-hotel platform registration page.

How to register

Follow these steps to register a short-term rental platform:

  1. Select a representative to communicate with the Province. This person will be responsible for representing the platform regarding regulatory requirements.
  2. Click “Apply now” at the bottom of this page
  3. Log in to your Premium BC Registries account using either your BC Services Card Account or a BCeID and 2-factor authentication
  4. Complete your application
  5. Pay the fee by credit card or pre-authorized debit (PAD)
  6. Submit your application
  7. View your dashboard to see the status of your application
  8. Receive an email notification when your application has been approved or denied
  9. View your dashboard to see your registration number

See a visual quick guide for applying for short-term rental registration for platforms (PDF, 2 MB)

Fees

Platforms must pay an annual fee to register. Platforms that operate more than one website are only required to submit a single registration application. Fees will not be refunded if an application is denied.

Activity

Annual fee + $1.50 service fee

Major Online Accommodation Platform Fee (1000 or more listings)

$5000.00

Medium Online Accommodation Platform Fee (250 to 999 listings)

$600.00

Minor Online Accommodation Platform Fee (under 250 listings)

$600.00

  • Platforms licensed by Consumer Protection BC as travel wholesalers under the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act and Travel Industry Regulation framework will be required to register, but no fee will be charged.

After you apply

The expandable menu below shows processes for different application outcomes.

 

Approved registration

Once registration is approved, platforms are required to:

 

Denied applications

If the Registrar cannot confirm that an application meets registration requirements, the applicant will be notified that the application is under consideration and given an opportunity to be heard. They will have five days to provide additional information, such as proof of principal residence. If the information provided is insufficient or if the applicant fails to respond in time, the application may be denied without further notice.

If an application is denied, the applicant can request a review of the decision:

  • To apply for a review of a decision, the request must be submitted in writing to Registry.STR@gov.bc.ca within 14 days of the decision. The request should explain why the decision should be reviewed.
  • The review will only be considered where:  
    • there is new and relevant evidence that was not available before that could change the decision
    • the applicant was unable to be heard due to expected circumstances beyond their control
    • a technical mistake or error occurred that affected the decision, or  
    • the Registrar did not address an issue they were required to
  • The original decision may stay the same, be changed, or be cancelled
 

Cancelled or suspended registration

If the Registrar determines that the registrant has failed to comply with or does not meet the registration requirements, the registrant will be notified that the application is under consideration and will have an opportunity to be heard. The applicant will have five days to provide additional information to support their registration.

If the information provided does not justify maintaining registration, or if the registrant fails to respond in time, the registration may be suspended or cancelled without further notice. 

Platforms whose registrations are cancelled or suspended can request a review of the decision:

  • To apply for a review of a decision, the request must be submitted in writing to Registry.STR@gov.bc.ca within 14 days of the decision. The request should explain why the decision should be reviewed.
  • The review will only be considered where:  
    • there is new and relevant evidence that was not available before that could change the decision
    • the platform was unable to be heard due to expected circumstances beyond their control
    • a technical mistake or error occurred that affected the decision, or  
    • the Registrar did not address an issue they were required to
  • The original decision may stay the same, be changed, or be cancelled

 

Registration renewal

All registrations must be renewed annually​. A renewal can be denied when a platform has:

Registration checklist

Make sure you have the following information to apply for registration:

  1. Name and contact information of the platform representative
  2. Business information, including business number and mailing address
  3. Platform details, including website(s) and current number of listings in B.C.
  4. Email addresses to receive notice of non-compliance and takedown requests from local governments

If platforms have a legal question, they may wish to consult a lawyer. The Registrar cannot provide legal advice.

Apply now

Platform registry terms and conditions


Subscribe

Subscribe for emailed updates to B.C.'s Short-term Rental Accommodations Act, regulations and related information.

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.