Definitions and key concepts for BC's short-term rental legislation
Last updated on April 18, 2024Find definitions and key concepts related to B.C.'s Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act and regulations on this page.
Definitions and key concepts
An accessory dwelling unit (often referred to as an ADU) is a self-contained living unit with its own kitchen, sleeping area, and washroom facilities, and which is located on the same property as a dwelling unit. An accessory dwelling unit is sometimes referred to as a garden suite, laneway home, carriage house or garage suite.
Fractional ownership
Fractional ownership refers to a situation where a host owns a part or fraction of a property owner, typically with the right to use it for an equal fraction of the year. The owner is restricted from using the property as their principal residence because of rules outlined in the fractional ownership agreement.
Home exchange
A home exchange is an arrangement where a person offers a right to use the person’s property for accommodation in B.C. in exchange for the right to use another person’s property. It is also referred to as house swapping.
Outdoor Recreational Activity
Outdoor recreational activities, as defined in section 8 (2) of the Prescribed Classes of Property Regulation, are certain activities that are typically connected to lodges. These activities are either organized by or through the operator of the overnight commercial accommodation, or are carried out with a guide:
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hunting
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fishing
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kayaking
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canoeing
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white-water rafting
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horseback riding
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mountain biking
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wildlife viewing
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hiking
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mountain climbing
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backcountry skiing
Platform service
Platform services refers to the facilitation of promotion and transactions for reservations and payments related to short-term rental accommodation services in British Columbia, provided by an online platform.
Principal residence
A principal residence is the residence an individual lives in for a longer period during a calendar year than any other place.
A secondary suite is a self-contained living unit with its own kitchen, sleeping area, and washroom facilities, and which is contained within a larger dwelling unit.
Short-term rental
Short-term rentals are accommodations provided to members of the public in a host’s property, in exchange for money, for a period of less than 90 consecutive days. They are generally tourist accommodations that are often found in residential or resort areas. They may be advertised via online platforms such as Airbnb, VRBO, Expedia and FlipKey, and may also be advertised on other web forums including Facebook Marketplace, or found in classified ads in newspapers.
Short-term rentals do not include accommodation that was intended to be provided for 90 days or longer, but which unexpectedly ends before 90 days have passed.
Guest suites are places intended mainly for people visiting residents in strata lots. These accommodations can be found in either common areas or in strata lots owned by the strata corporation.
Strata-titled hotel or motel
A strata-titled hotel or motel is a property in which accommodation is provided in a manner like that of a hotel or motel. Different owners own different strata lots. There is considerable variety in how strata-titled hotels and motels are set up, established, and marketed.
See more information on the information for strata-titled hotels or motels page.
A student accommodation is a property ordinarily used for more than 6 months in the calendar year for the living accommodation of students or employees of an education institution and that is owned or operated by the education institution or by a non-profit organization.
A time share property is a certain property in which a person has a time share contract within the meaning of the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act, or has a time share interest within the meaning of the Real Estate Development Marketing Act.
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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.