Understanding the Shift in BC Vacation Rental Policies
Starting May 1, 2024, significant changes are set to take place in British Columbia for vacation rentals. This update affects cities with populations exceeding 10,000, including popular destinations like Vancouver and Kelowna. The new provincial regulations aim to restrict vacation rentals facilitated through platforms such as AirBnB and VRBO.
Highlighting Primary Residence Requirements
The key focus of the updated regulations revolves around the concept of a primary residence. Moving forward, homeowners in the specified cities can offer only their primary residence, along with one secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit, for vacation rentals lasting fewer than 30 days. Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in fines of up to $50,000.
Decoding Primary Residence and Additional Units
A primary residence, as defined in the regulations, is the place where an individual predominantly resides throughout a calendar year. In addition to the primary residence, homeowners may opt to rent out a secondary suite or an accessory dwelling unit. A secondary suite is a self-contained living space within the main dwelling, while an accessory dwelling unit is a standalone living unit located on the same property.
Cities Impacted by the New Regulations
Several cities across British Columbia fall under the purview of these regulations starting in 2024. From Abbotsford to Williams Lake, a wide range of municipalities will need to adhere to the primary residence rule. Notably, Vancouver is among the affected cities, with the new regulations set to reshape the vacation rental landscape in these locations.
Starting May 1, 2024, the principal residence short-term rental requirement will apply to the following cities in BC:
- Abbotsford
- Belcarra
- Burnaby
- Anmore
- Campbell River
- Central Saanich
- Chilliwack
- Coldstream
- Colwood
- Comox
- Coquitlam
- Courtenay
- Cranbrook
- Cumberland
- Dawson Creek
- Delta
- Duncan
- Esquimalt
- Fort. St. John
- Highlands
- Kamloops
- Kelowna
- Lake Country
- Langford
- Langley (City)
- Langley (Township)
- Maple Ridge
- Metchosin
- Mission
- Nanaimo
- Nelson
- New Westminster
- North Cowichan
- North Saanich
- North Vancouver (City)
- North Vancouver (District)
- Oak Bay
- Parksville
- Penticton
- Pitt Meadows
- Port Alberni
- Port Coquitlam
- Port Moody
- Pouce Coupe
- Powell River
- Prince George
- Prince Rupert
- Richmond
- Qualicum Beach
- Saanich
- Salmon Arm
- Sechelt
- Sidney
- Sooke
- Squamish
- Summerland
- Surrey
- Terrace
- Vancouver
- Vernon
- Victoria
- View Royal
- West Kelowna
- West Vancouver
- White Rock
- Williams Lake
Exemptions from the Regulations
Despite the widespread application of the new regulations, certain entities will be exempt from the primary residence requirement. This includes municipalities with populations below 10,000, the 14 Resort Municipalities, hotels, motels, regional district electoral areas, and agricultural tourism accommodations in ALR-zoned farmlands.
