Compliance
Can my home be a short-term rental?
The rules changed in 2024. Here is how they work in plain language, and how to check your own home in under a minute.
01The principal residence rule
Under BC's Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act, a short-term rental is a stay of less than 90 consecutive days. In most Greater Vancouver municipalities you can only offer these stays in the home where you live most of the year. The provincial rule also allows one secondary suite or laneway home on that property, but cities can be stricter: the City of Vancouver requires that you live in the property you rent out as your principal residence, and allows one licence per person. Investment condos and second homes generally don't qualify.
02Provincial registration
Hosts register with the provincial short-term rental registry and pay an annual fee. Platforms are expected to check registration before a listing can take bookings.
03Municipal business licence
Each city sets its own licence rules and fees. In Vancouver, the licence is renewed every year, strata or landlord approval is needed before you apply, and the licence number has to appear on every online listing.
04Strata bylaws
Even if your home qualifies under provincial and city rules, your strata can prohibit short-term rentals. We read the bylaws before we start.
05Taxes
Short-term stays can involve GST, PST and the Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT). Booking platforms collect some of these. We keep the records your accountant needs.
Official sources
Page reviewed November 2026. Rules change: always check the official sources above.
Find out what your home could earn
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