Short-term rentals can still be a strong income stream—but in Vancouver, they’re no longer a free-for-all.

If you’re a landlord considering Airbnb or Vrbo, it’s critical to understand both provincial legislation and the City of Vancouver’s rules before you list.

What Counts as a Short-Term Rental?
In BC, any rental under 90 consecutive days is considered a short-term rental.

The Big Change: Principal Residence Only
This is where most landlords get caught.

You can only rent out your principal residence, meaning the home where you:
• Live most of the year
• Receive mail and pay bills

In most cases, you cannot:
• Use an investment property as an Airbnb
• Operate multiple short-term rentals

Mandatory Short-Term Rental Registry
To operate legally in BC, you must:
• Register with the province
• Obtain a registration number
• Display it on all listings

Vancouver-Specific Requirements
On top of provincial rules, Vancouver adds another layer:

1. Business licence required
2. One licence per host
3. Must meet safety and compliance standards

Why These Rules Exist
Both the City of Vancouver and the Province of BC tightened regulations to protect long-term rental supply and limit investor-driven Airbnb conversions.

In Summary

You can Airbnb if:
• It’s your principal residence
• You follow all licensing and registration rules

You can’t Airbnb if:
• It’s a pure investment property
• You don’t live in the unit
• You plan to operate multiple listings

Short-term rentals in Vancouver are no longer a scalable investment strategy. They’re now:
• A side-income tool for primary residents
• Highly regulated
• Actively enforced

If your goal is consistent, scalable cash flow, long-term rentals remain the more reliable and compliant path.

Have questions about your specific situation? Reach out anytime at info@brixpm.ca