Airbnb Regulations in Vancouver – Manual for Hosts 2025 (Updated)

Airbnb has become popular for travelers looking for a unique and affordable way to experience Vancouver. However, with the rise of short-term rentals, the City of Vancouver has implemented new regulations to ensure that they comply with local laws and regulations. This guide will provide an overview of the Airbnb regulations in Vancouver, and what hosts need to know to comply with them.

Airbnb Management Service in Vancouver by MasterHost

Understanding Short-Term Rental Regulations in Vancouver

Who Can Operate a Short-Term Rental in Vancouver?

To legally offer short-term accommodations in Vancouver, you must meet the following conditions:

• The rental property must be your primary residence—the place where you live, receive mail, and handle official matters like taxes and bills.
• The unit must be a legal dwelling according to city zoning and building codes.
• Properties located in Single Room Occupancy (SRO) or Rental 100 buildings are strictly prohibited from short-term rentals.
• The rental space must adhere to safety and building regulations to ensure guest protection.
• Hosts are required to have appropriate insurance coverage that explicitly includes short-term rental use.
• If the property is within a strata (condominium association), approval from the strata council is necessary before applying for a license.
• Renters must obtain permission from their landlord before listing the space for short-term stays.

Additionally, properties with secondary suites or laneway homes can only be rented out if the host resides in that unit as their principal home. If the host lives in the main house, the secondary unit cannot be legally used for short-term rentals.

Key Rules for Short-Term Rental Operators

Operating a short-term rental in Vancouver comes with a set of responsibilities. Here’s what’s allowed and what isn’t:

Permitted Activities

• Renting out an entire home or individual rooms for up to 90 days at a time.
• Operating a short-term rental only from your primary residence—whether you own or rent the home.
• Hosting in a laneway house or secondary suite only if the host lives in that unit full-time.
• Hiring a licensed property management company to manage the short-term rental.

Prohibited Activities

• Listing a rental without a valid business license.
• Offering short-term stays in a home that is not your primary residence.
• Using a single license for multiple properties—each property must have its own license.
• Accepting more than one guest booking at a time in the same unit.
• Renting out garages, sheds, or accessory buildings as short-term accommodations.
• Hosting short-term rentals in prohibited or unauthorized units.
• Failing to follow community guidelines regarding noise, waste disposal, and parking.

Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines or license suspension, especially if a host provides false information on their application.

New Provincial Requirement: Short-Term Rental Registry (Deadline: May 1, 2025)

Starting May 1, 2025, all short-term rental hosts in British Columbia—including those in Vancouver—must register with the provincial short-term rental registry. This additional layer of oversight aims to strengthen compliance and improve transparency.

To encourage early registration, the province is offering discounted fees:

• 50% discount for hosts registering by February 28, 2025.
• 25% discount for those registering by March 31, 2025.

Hosts who fail to register will face penalties:

• Removal of rental listings starting May 1, 2025.
• Automatic cancellation of future bookings from June 1, 2025 onwards.

Steps to Legally Operate a Short-Term Rental in Vancouver

1. Obtain a short-term rental business license from the City of Vancouver.
2. Ensure your property complies with zoning, strata, and safety regulations.
3. Register on the Provincial Short-Term Rental Registry before the May 1, 2025, deadline.
4. Clearly display your business license number in all online listings and advertisements.

By following these regulations, short-term rental hosts can legally operate while contributing to Vancouver’s housing stability and community integrity.

Read more about short-term rental business licenses here.

Who needs a short-term rental business license in Vancouver?

In Vancouver, a short-term rental business license is required for anyone renting out their property for less than 90 consecutive days. This applies to homeowners and tenants across all residential property types, including houses, apartments, and condominiums.

To qualify for a license, the unit must be the operator’s principal residence and comply with all zoning, building, and safety regulations. Strata approval (for condo owners) and landlord permission (for renters) are also required where applicable. Additionally, short-term rentals are not permitted in SRO or Rental 100 buildings.

Starting May 1, 2025, all short-term rental hosts must also register with the provincial short-term rental registry, ensuring compliance with British Columbia’s latest regulations.

What are the penalties for non-compliance?

Hosts who do not comply with the regulations could face fines of up to $1,000 per offense. The City of Vancouver also has the authority to shut down illegal short-term rentals and revoke short-term rental business licenses.

How to obtain a short-term rental business license in Vancouver?

To apply for a short-term rental business license, hosts must submit an application to the City of Vancouver and provide proof of compliance with safety regulations, zoning laws, and required approvals.

Fees for 2025:

• Application fee: $74 (non-refundable)
• Annual license fee: $1,060 (non-refundable, prorated in the first year based on the start date)
• Late renewal fee: $106

Additional Requirements:

• Hosts must review their insurance policies to cover potential costs or damages related to short-term rentals.
• Strata approval (for condos) or landlord permission (for renters) is required before applying.
• Fire and safety measures must be in place, including smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and carbon monoxide detectors.

How to ensure compliance with safety regulations and building codes?

To legally operate a short-term rental in Vancouver, hosts must ensure their unit meets all safety and building code requirements. This includes implementing fire safety measures, maintaining essential equipment, and keeping up with annual inspections.

Essential Safety Requirements:

• Legal dwelling certification: The unit must be a legal dwelling, compliant with zoning and building codes.
• 24/7 contact availability: Hosts must provide a 24-hour emergency contact in case of safety issues.
• Fire safety plan: A fire escape plan must be posted at all entrances and exits.
• Smoke alarms: Interconnected smoke alarms must be installed on every floor and in all bedrooms.
• Fire extinguishers: A working, accessible fire extinguisher must be placed on every floor.
• Carbon monoxide detectors: Required on every floor if the unit has gas appliances.
• Fire alarms: If the building has more than three dwelling units or 10 occupants, a fire alarm system is mandatory.
• Sprinkler systems and fire separation: If the short-term rental is attached to another dwelling unit, it must have:
  • An automated sprinkler system or
  • A fire separation with a minimum 45-minute fire-resistance rating (or higher, based on building type).
• Annual inspections and maintenance: Hosts must inspect and test smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and carbon monoxide detectors annually and keep records.

What to include in the set of rules and regulations for the unit?

Hosts must provide guests with a set of rules and regulations for the unit. This should include information about noise levels, parking, garbage disposal, and any other rules specific to the unit or building. Hosts should also include contact information for themselves or a property manager in case of emergencies or other issues. Read more about Airbnb Guest Book in Vancouver.

How to handle complaints or issues with guests?

Hosts should be prepared to handle any complaints or issues that may arise with guests. This includes responding promptly to messages or calls and addressing any concerns or complaints in a professional and respectful manner. Hosts should also have a clear policy in place for handling damage or other issues that may occur during a guest’s stay.

How to compete in a regulated market?

With the implementation of new regulations, the short-term rental market in Vancouver has become more competitive. Hosts who want to stand out in a regulated market should focus on providing excellent guest experiences, offering unique and desirable amenities, and maintaining a high level of cleanliness and organization. Hosts should also ensure that their pricing is competitive, considering the nightly fee and other costs associated with short-term rentals.

How to stay up-to-date on the regulations?

The City of Vancouver may update the regulations for short-term rentals from time to time, so hosts should make sure to stay informed about any changes. Hosts can stay up-to-date by checking the City of Vancouver’s website, attending information sessions or workshops, and joining local short-term rental groups or associations.

What are the benefits of complying with regulations?

Complying with the regulations for short-term rentals in Vancouver has several benefits. Hosts who obtain a short-term rental business license can operate their rental unit legally and avoid fines or penalties. Compliance with safety regulations and building codes can also help to ensure the safety and well-being of guests.

Familiarize yourself with the Tax on Airbnb income in Vancouver.

Conclusion

The regulations for short-term rentals in Vancouver are an important aspect for hosts to consider when renting out their unit on platforms such as Airbnb. Hosts who comply with the regulations can operate their rental unit legally, ensure the safety of their guests, and contribute to affordable housing initiatives in their community. While compliance may present some challenges, hosts can overcome them by focusing on providing excellent guest experiences and staying up-to-date on any changes to the regulations.

Check out Airbnb Regulations in Edmonton and Overview of the Airbnb Regulations in Richmond.