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Writer's pictureAndrew Deitsch

Is Airbnb Allowed in British Columbia? Everything you need to know about the new Regulations

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Popularity is growing for STR platforms, with Airbnb as the primary example. Airbnb demands equally well-regulated regulation for its effects on housing markets and communities. Perhaps no place is this more necessary than the stunning landscapes and thriving cities of the Canadian province of British Columbia.


In response, the province has passed new laws to reduce some of the negative impacts induced by STRs. This change explains why residents and visitors need to know where and how Airbnb is allowed in B.C.


This article will discuss Airbnb regulation in British Columbia, with a particular bias toward the new Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act and its implications.


Are Airbnbs Allowed in B.C.?

While Airbnb and other short-term rentals have been legalized in BC, they are heavily controlled, with the control margin differing depending on the property's location.


Therefore, the fears that these rental properties impact long-term housing availability are generally shaping rules with both local and provincial governments.

Generally, there are so many allowed controls on short-term renting within B.C., but they're increasingly being legislated to prevent them from further exacerbating the province's housing crisis.


The Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act, recently passed, went into effect on May 1, 2024, putting even more controls on where and how STRs can operate. The Act is focused on returning more units to the long-term rental market by restricting short-term rentals. The key provision applies to a host's principal residence plus one secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit on that same property.


Rules in the province strike a compromise promoting short-term rentals, which help drive tourism and provide supplementary income for people renting out their homes while maintaining an appropriate supply of housing stock for residents who need it. Airbnb is allowed in B.C., but operators must follow the law.


In most cities throughout British Columbia, Airbnb is allowable, although the specific by-laws that regulate short-term rentals differ from city to city. As of May 1, 2024, the new regulations implemented by the Strata act will impact 65 communities throughout the province, primarily with a population over 10,000 or near major urban centers.


Exemptions from the Principal Residence Requirement

While most major centres, such as Vancouver, Victoria, and Kelowna, in British Columbia, have been clamping down on short-term rentals due to a severe housing shortage, the Strata Property Act has exceptions for specific geographic areas and types of accommodations.


These exemptions apply particularly to smaller resort-type communities, areas governed by the Islands Trust Act, and accommodations that are difficult to convert from temporary to permanent housing because of their ownership structure—examples being farmlands and small mountain resorts.


Exempted areas include municipalities with populations less than 10,000, except those adjacent to larger cities, and 14 designated Resort Municipalities such as Fernie, Whistler, Invermere and Tofino. Hotels, motels, regional district electoral areas, and agri-tourism accommodations on ALR-zoned agricultural farmland are exempt from the principal residence requirement.


In contrast, the rules are much tighter in heavily populated regions like Vancouver. Vancouver hosts must show a valid business license number on listings they create through Airbnb, and platforms are imposed separate obligations to delist listings without that number. This ensures short-term rentals do not contribute to the housing crisis—a practice carried on within the spirit of local bylaws designed to retain more residences for long-term residents.


Hosts operating anywhere in BC should be aware of local, recent, and provincial-level changes to stay within the law and avoid potential trouble, including costly fines.


Which areas allow Airbnb in BC

The 14 Resort Municipalities that are not impacted by the BC vacation rental regulations:

  • Fernie

  • Golden

  • Harrison Hot Springs

  • Invermere

  • Kimberly

  • Osoyoos

  • Radium Hot Springs

  • Revelstoke, Rossland

  • Sun Peaks, Tofino

  • Ucluelet

  • Valemount

  • Whistler.


More Permissive Areas

In contrast, while some of the smaller resort-based local governments or other kinds of resort communities may be less restrictive—or even, in some cases, exempt from particular provincial requirements—all of these jurisdictions understand the potential of STR in contributing positively to economic growth within their respective tourism-based local economies.


However, hosts should still check with the local government for jurisdiction-specific bylaws or requirements to follow.


In summary, while Airbnb is allowed in many cities across B.C., the level of regulation varies. Hosts would do well to understand provincial regulations and fast-changing local bylaws to operate legally.


Is Airbnb Legal in British Columbia? Overview of B.C.'s Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act

Yes, it is legal to operate an Airbnb in BC. However, the operation has since been incorporated into the Short-Term Rental Accommodation Act, drastically changing how short-term rentals are regulated across the province.


Implications for Airbnb Hosts

Airbnb hosts in British Columbia must comply with the new STRAA regulations or face penalties like fines and listing removal. However, operating within the law can still be profitable, especially in tourist areas. Hosts should fully understand these rules and seek professional advice if needed.


Need Help with Airbnb Regulations in B.C.?

Stay compliant and make the most of your Airbnb property under the new Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act. Contact us today for professional property management in Invermere and Airbnb consultancy services tailored to help you understand and navigate the latest changes effectively.

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