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Province-wide (BC)

British Columbia · Canada
Restricted
Last updated: 2026-06-23  ·  Last verified: 2026-06-23  ·  Region: International

At a Glance — Province-wide (BC) Airbnb & STR Rules

RuleDetails
Regulatory StatusRestricted — rules apply
Permit / License RequiredYes — provincial registration number required
Tax RateGST 5% + PST/MRDT (varies)
Night / Day CapNo night cap; STR defined as under 90 consecutive days
Minimum StayUnder 90 consecutive days defined as STR
Permit Fee$100/yr primary residence; $450/yr secondary suite/ADU; $600/yr strata hotels
PenaltiesFines up to $50,000; removal from platforms; bookings cancelled if unregistered
Primary Residence RequiredYes — in communities over 10,000 (and within 15km), unless opted out/exempt
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Province-wide (BC) Airbnb & Vacation Rental Regulation Overview

Province-wide (BC) Short-Term Rental Regulations Overview

Short-term rentals in Province-wide (BC), British Columbia are allowed but subject to significant restrictions under local regulations as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes — provincial registration number required. The associated permit fees are $100/yr primary residence; $450/yr secondary suite/ADU; $600/yr strata hotels.

Tax Requirements for Airbnb Hosts in Province-wide (BC)

Short-term rental operators in Province-wide (BC) should be aware of these tax obligations: GST 5% + PST/MRDT (varies). Yes — GST/HST and PST may apply.

Hosting Rules and Restrictions in Province-wide (BC)

Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Province-wide (BC) include: Primary residence requirement: Yes — in communities over 10,000 (and within 15km), unless opted out/exempt. Rental day cap: No night cap; STR defined as under 90 consecutive days. Minimum stay: Under 90 consecutive days defined as STR.

Zoning and Location Requirements in Province-wide (BC)

Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Province-wide (BC): Subject to local bylaws; resort/rural areas exempt. Density rules: Limited to principal residence plus one secondary suite or ADU.

Penalties for Non-Compliance in Province-wide (BC)

Hosts who fail to comply with Province-wide (BC)'s short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Fines up to $50,000; removal from platforms; bookings cancelled if unregistered.

Platform Obligations in Province-wide (BC)

Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Province-wide (BC): Platforms must validate registration numbers and remove unregistered listings.

Full Regulatory Details

Regulatory Status
Restricted
License / Registration
Yes — provincial registration number required
Tax Registration
Yes — GST/HST and PST may apply
Permit Fee
$100/yr primary residence; $450/yr secondary suite/ADU; $600/yr strata hotels
Primary Residence Rule
Yes — in communities over 10,000 (and within 15km), unless opted out/exempt
Night / Day Cap
No night cap; STR defined as under 90 consecutive days
Tax Rate
GST 5% + PST/MRDT (varies)
Zoning Restrictions
Subject to local bylaws; resort/rural areas exempt
Minimum Stay
Under 90 consecutive days defined as STR
Density Rules
Limited to principal residence plus one secondary suite or ADU
Platform Obligations
Platforms must validate registration numbers and remove unregistered listings
Compliance Notes
Registry mandatory May 1, 2025; platform validation from June 2, 2025
Effective Date
2025-05-01
Key Notes
Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act (Bill 35); one of Canada's most comprehensive frameworks
Penalties
Fines up to $50,000; removal from platforms; bookings cancelled if unregistered
Additional Context
Mountain resorts (Whistler, Sun Peaks), farmland, reserve/Nisga'a lands exempt; province shares registrant data with CRA
📋 Apply / Register with the Official Authority

Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.

Official Source ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airbnb legal in Province-wide (BC)?

Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Province-wide (BC) but subject to restrictions. Hosts must comply with local permit requirements and zoning rules. Registry mandatory May 1, 2025; platform validation from June 2, 2025

Do you need a permit for Airbnb in Province-wide (BC)?

Yes. Province-wide (BC) requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes — provincial registration number required.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Province-wide (BC)?

Short-term rental hosts in Province-wide (BC) are subject to the following tax obligations: GST 5% + PST/MRDT (varies).

What are the penalties for illegal Airbnb hosting in Province-wide (BC)?

Hosts who operate without proper permits in Province-wide (BC) may face enforcement. Fines up to $50,000; removal from platforms; bookings cancelled if unregistered.

What are the key STR compliance requirements in Province-wide (BC)?

Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act (Bill 35); one of Canada's most comprehensive frameworks

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