B.C. government launches short-term rental registry and new fee structure

The B.C. government announced on Monday that it is launching a short-term rental registry.

Anyone operating a short-term rental in B.C. and listing on platforms, such as Airbnb, Vrbo and others, will be required to register with the province, including hosts operating outside areas with the principal-residence requirement.

To register, hosts need to complete an online application form.

A host will then also receive a provincial registration number that must be displayed on all online listings effective on May 1, 2025. Those who do not comply will have their listing taken down as of June 1, 2025.

“We are taking action to help more people find a home in the communities they love by reining in speculators who are operating illegally,” Housing and Municipal Affairs Minister Ravi Kahlon said in a statement.

“The launch of the registry is the next step to provide more long-term homes for people, giving hosts who are playing by the rules the ability to continue to legally operate and welcome guests while further cracking down on speculators who are breaking the rules.”

2:08 New B.C. short-term rental rules go into effect

Hosts must pay $100 a year to operate a short-term rental where they live, such as a home the host rents out while away or a bedroom in that home.

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They must pay $450 per year if the host does not live in the short-term rental, such as a secondary suite, cottage or laneway home.

The cost is $600 per year for an entire strata hotel.

The province said hosts will receive a 50 per cent discount if they register by Feb. 28 or a 25 per cent discount if they register by March 31.

Kahlon said revenue from the program will support short-term rental enforcement and compliance in communities throughout B.C.

Last May, the B.C. government implemented new rules around a provincial principal requirement, limiting short-term rentals in most locations to the host’s principal residence, plus one secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit, on the same property.