Is Airbnb legal in Vancouver?

In Vancouver, British Columbia, regulations pertaining to short-term rentals (STRs) are designed to address the housing affordability crisis and to ensure compliance among rental operators. Here’s a brief overview based on the current regulations:

1. Licensing Requirement: All operators of short-term rentals must obtain a business licence and display their licence number in all online listings. This regulation is crucial for accountability and helps the city monitor compliance.

2. Principal Residence: Short-term rentals are permitted only from the operator’s principal residence, meaning the home where they live. This stipulation prevents the use of non-residential properties or multiple properties under a single licence for short-term rental purposes.

3. Rental Duration: A recent policy amendment, effective October 8, 2024, extends the allowable duration of short-term stays from less than 30 days to less than 90 days. All rental operators must conform to this updated policy.

4. Strata and Landlord Approval: Before applying for a short-term rental licence, operators must ensure they have the necessary approval from their strata management or landlord, reinforcing community standards.

5. Restrictions on Use: The regulations prohibit multiple bookings of a single unit at the same time, utilizing accessory buildings (like garages) as rental units, and conducting rentals in properties that are not the operator's principal residence.

6. Compliance and Enforcement: The city actively engages in monitoring compliance and has established a proactive approach involving education, audits, and potential legal action against non-compliant operators. Violations can lead to fines, licence suspensions, or even prosecution.

7. Prohibited Buildings Registry: Certain buildings, including Single Room Occupancies (SROs) and some strata buildings, are ineligible for short-term rental licensing, ensuring that valuable long-term housing stock is preserved for residents.

8. Community Impact Considerations: The regulations aim to mitigate negative impacts associated with STRs, such as excessive noise and occupancy issues, thus preserving the quality of life for Vancouver residents.

In summary, Vancouver’s short-term rental regulations strive to balance the economic benefits for residents with the necessity of maintaining affordable, long-term housing options amidst growing demand and the pressures of the local rental market.