Having a short-term rental in Vancouver can be a smart move for homeowners! Each year, Vancouver attracts over 8 million tourists and business travelers. With its stunning natural beauty and diverse culture, there is a prime opportunity to generate rental income. Whether you have a spare room or an entire property to offer, short-term rentals in Vancouver can turn your home intro a lucrative asset.
Before you rush to create an Airbnb account, there are many things you need to keep in mind. The city of Vancouver has specific requirements and regulations for short-term rental properties. Here are current requirements in place as of September 2023:
Business License
Hosts are required to obtain a short-term rental business license from the City of Vancouver to legally operate an Airbnb or other short-term rental property. This license involves an application process and a fee. Once approved, your business license number must be displayed on all advertising.
Principal Residence
In Vancouver, short-term rentals are only allowed in a homeowner’s principal residence. This means only the property where you primarily live for more 6 months per year, can be rented out. Secondary suites and laneway houses can only be used for short-term rentals if that is where you reside. If you live in the primary dwelling unit on the property, secondary suite short-term rental is not permitted. You cannot operate a short-term rental in an unauthorized or illegal dwelling unit.
Maximum Rental Period
Short-term rentals need to be for less than 30 consecutive days at a time. This rule is intended to discourage long-term housing units from being converted into short-term rentals.
Record-Keeping
Hosts are required to keep records of guest stays and provide this information to the city upon request. This is required to ensure compliance with the regulations.
Health and Safety Standards
Short-term rental properties are expected to meet certain health and safety standards, including fire safety regulations and building codes.
Compliance with Strata Rules
Lastly, if the property is part of a strata, hosts are required to follow strata bylaws. Keep in mind that many stratas currently do not allow short-term rentals and those that do typically require obtaining strata approval for short-term rentals. Strata approval will also be required prior to you being able to apply for a business license.
Still uncertain if your Vancouver property qualifies for a short-term rental business license? Click here to complete a quick online test.
Please note that these requirements are subject to change. It’s crucial to consult the official website of the City of Vancouver or your Two Awesome Realtors to get the most up to date and accurate information regarding Airbnb and short-term rental requirements in the city.
Also, keep in mind that the above information is strictly for the City of Vancouver. Short-term rental regulations vary by cities. If you are considering hosting short-term rentals in other areas of Greater Vancouver, please be sure to check for the specific rules that apply for that location.
Contact Your Two Awesome Realtors for more information.
