To help more families find a place to live in B.C. and build on actions underway, the Province is launching a new short term rental registry.
“We are taking action to help more people find a home in the communities they love by reining in speculators who are operating illegally,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “The launch of the short term rental registry is the next step to provide more long-term homes for people, giving hosts who are playing by the rules the ability to continue to legally operate and welcome guests while further cracking down on speculators who are breaking the rules.”
Anyone operating a short-term rental in B.C. and listing on platforms, such as Airbnb, Vrbo and others, will be required to register with the Province, including hosts operating outside areas with the principal-residence requirement.
Hosts will receive a 50% discount on fees if they register by Feb. 28, 2025, or a 25% discount if they register by March 31, 2025. Revenue from the program will support STR enforcement and compliance in communities throughout B.C.
The provincial registry requirement is in addition to any requirements and rules set out by local municipalities and governments, including any business licence requirements.
To register, hosts need to complete an online application available here: https://gov.bc.ca/strregistry
For more information regarding these changes, please see https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025HMA0001-000024