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What is a BC Provincial Registration Number?
The BC Provincial Registration Number is a mandatory registration identifier issued by the Government of British Columbia for hosts of short-term rentals (stays of less than 90 consecutive days). It is a key component of the province's regulatory framework designed to manage the impact of short-term rentals on housing supply.
This number serves to identify legally operating properties and assists in enforcing provincial rules, such as the principal residence requirement that applies in many communities. All operators are required to include their valid registration number on any listing platform or advertisement.
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How it works
To obtain a BC Provincial Registration Number, property operators must apply through the provincial government's online portal. During the application, they provide property details, confirm compliance with local bylaws, and attest to meeting provincial requirements, such as the principal residence rule where it applies.
The registration is free of charge. Once issued, the operator must post this registration number on all their listings across OTAs like Airbnb and Vrbo, as well as on their own direct booking website, which can be created using a vacation rental website builder.
Online platforms are required to validate these numbers and must remove listings that do not display a valid number.
Why it matters
Displaying a BC Provincial Registration Number is essential for legal operation within British Columbia. Failure to comply can result in substantial daily fines for hosts, removal of listings from booking platforms, and other enforcement actions.
For guests, the number provides assurance that the rental is registered and adheres to provincial standards. For governments, the registry creates a mechanism to track the short-term rental market, enforce housing policies, and ensure hosts are compliant with tax obligations.
Examples
- A homeowner in Kelowna must apply for and receive a BC Provincial Registration Number before they can list their basement suite on Airbnb. They are required to display this number, along with their municipal business license number, on the listing.
- A property manager overseeing a portfolio of condos in Victoria is prompted by Vrbo to enter a valid BC Provincial Registration Number for each property before the listings can be published on the platform.
- An operator of a cabin in Tofino who markets their property through a direct booking website must clearly display their BC Provincial Registration Number on the site to comply with the province's advertising rules.
- A host receives a warning from the provincial enforcement unit because their Booking.com listing is missing the registration number. They are instructed to add it immediately or face fines of up to $3,000 per day per infraction.
Frequently asked questions
Is the BC Provincial Registration Number different from a municipal business license?+
What happens if I operate a short-term rental without a registration number?+
Does the principal residence requirement apply everywhere in British Columbia?+
Is there a fee to get a BC Provincial Registration Number?+
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