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Register as a platform

Last updated on May 14, 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: 

What is a short-term rental platform?

All platforms that meet the definition of platform service provider and platform service under the Act are considered a platform and are subject to the platform requirements.

This means any short-term rental platform that is facilitating both the promotion of and transactions for reservations and payments for short-term rentals in B.C. must comply with the provincial requirements, including registering with the province.

If you do not accept payment or process transactions for reservations, you are not a platform and do not need to comply with provincial platform requirements.

Platforms are classified by the number of listings on the platform:

  • Major platforms: 1000 or more listings
  • Medium platforms: 250 to 999 listings
  • Minor platforms: less than 250 listings
  • Strata hotel platforms: see Strata Hotel Registration for more information

 

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.

Apply now

Apply now as a platform

Platform registry terms and conditions

 

Check your application status

Applicants can log-in to view the status of their application at any time.

Check your platform application status

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. Review the Registration Checklist and Fees in the sections below
  3. Click “Apply now” on this page and log in using your existing Premium BC Registries account.
  4. Fill out and submit your application by paying the fee using a credit card or pre-authorized debit (PAD)
  5. View your dashboard to see the status of your application
  6. Receive an email notification when your application has been approved or denied
  7. View your dashboard to see your registration number

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.

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Approved registration

Once registration is approved, platforms are required to:

 

Notice of Consideration

An examiner reviews applications to determine if they meet registration requirements laid out in the Act.

If it appears tour application does not meet all the registration requirements you will receive a Notice of Consideration through email which outlines all documentation and the information that is missing as part of the registration applications.

You will have eight days from the date of the email to provide additional information, such as additional proof of principal residence.

Please log on to the Registry dashboard to provide the required documents and submissions.

If the necessary information is not received by the deadline, your application may be refused, cancelled or suspended without further notice.

Please be aware that a final decision may not be reached until after the deadline has passed.

 

Refused, cancelled or suspended applications

If your application has been refused, suspended, or cancelled, you must stop operating your short-term rental platform in B.C.

If you believe the decision to refuse, suspend, or cancel your application was made incorrectly or if new evidence or circumstances have arisen, in limited circumstances, you may apply for a review of your decision within 14 days of the date of the original decision.

An application for the review of a decision will only be considered where:

  • there is new and relevant evidence that was not available at the time of application and that could change the decision
  • the applicant was unable to provide submissions by the deadline given due to unexpected circumstances beyond their control (must give details and evidence)
  • a technical mistake or error occurred that affected the decision, or
  • the Registrar did not address an issue they were required to

Please note that following the review, the original decision you received may not change.

To apply for a review of your decision:

Your application will only be considered to have been received once the Application for Review form and all relevant supporting documentation have been provided.

 

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.

 

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.

 

If you have questions about B.C.'s short-term rental legislation, please contact the Service BC Contact Center at 1-833-828-2240.

  • The Service BC Contact Center is available 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.
  • You may also email the short-term rental registry team at STRregistry@gov.bc.ca