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What is the BC Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act?

Updated 2026-05-28

The BC Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act is a piece of legislation passed by the Government of British Columbia to rein in the province's short-term rental (STR) market. The law introduces several key measures, most notably a principal residence requirement, which restricts STRs to a host's primary home in municipalities with populations over 10,000.

The Act also increases fines for non-compliance, mandates data sharing from platforms, and lays the groundwork for a provincial STR registry.

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How it works

The Act functions by setting a new baseline for STR operations across the province, with phased implementation dates. As of May 1, 2024, the principal residence requirement took effect in over 60 communities, meaning operators can only rent the home they live in for the majority of the year.

Hosts are required to display a valid local government business license on their listings. Online rental platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are now obligated to share data with the province and must remove listings that do not comply with the new rules.

A future provincial registry will require all hosts to register their properties, further centralizing control and enforcement.

Why it matters

This legislation fundamentally alters the landscape for vacation rental operators in British Columbia. For many hosts, particularly those who operated STRs in secondary or investment properties, the Act makes their business model non-viable, forcing a shift to long-term rentals or a sale of the property.

Compliance is critical, as both provincial and municipal governments have increased powers and fines to enforce these rules. The Act aims to balance tourism needs with the pressing demand for long-term residential housing.

Examples

  • An owner in Vancouver who previously rented out an investment condo year-round on Airbnb can no longer do so due to the principal residence requirement and must convert it to a long-term rental.
  • A homeowner in Kelowna can continue to legally rent out a basement suite within their primary home, as this type of rental is permitted under the Act.
  • A property manager overseeing several vacation homes in the designated resort municipality of Whistler is exempt from the provincial principal residence requirement, though they must still comply with local municipal bylaws.
  • An operator in Victoria must update all their online listings to include their city-issued business license number to avoid having their advertisements taken down by the platforms enforcing the new law.

Frequently asked questions

What is the principal residence requirement in the BC STR Act?+
The principal residence requirement stipulates that a host can only offer short-term rentals in the home where they live for the majority of the calendar year. This can be the entire home (e.g., while they are on vacation) or a specific space within it, like a basement suite or a spare bedroom.
Does the Act apply to all communities in British Columbia?+
No, the principal residence requirement primarily applies to municipalities with a population of 10,000 or more. It does not apply in designated resort municipalities (like Whistler and Tofino), most regional district electoral areas, and some other exempt communities. Hosts should always verify the specific rules for their location.
What is the purpose of the provincial STR registry?+
The registry, expected to launch in 2025, will require all short-term rental hosts in British Columbia to register their property. Its goal is to create a centralized database to assist municipalities with enforcement, ensure hosts are compliant with provincial and local rules, and track STR activity across the province.
What are the responsibilities of rental platforms under the Act?+
Online platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are required to incorporate a field for hosts to display their business license and, once available, their provincial registration number. They must share listing data with the province and are obligated to remove listings that do not display a valid registration or are found to be non-compliant.
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