New Rules for Short-Term Rentals

The Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act, S.B.C. 2023, c. 32, introduced a framework for regulating short-term rental accommodations in the province. The provisions cover various aspects, including definitions, registration requirements, platform service provider regulations, and enforcement measures. Sections 1 through 38, which outline definitions and registration procedures, have been implemented to ensure compliance with new regulations regarding short-term rental accommodations.
The regulation defines different categories of platform service providers—major, medium, and minor—based on the number of platform offers they handle. Changes to these definitions ensure greater clarity about which services are subject to registration and which are exempt. The regulation also introduces a range of exemptions for specific property types or circumstances, such as time-share properties, home exchanges, and student accommodations, where the registration requirement does not apply. Additionally, the definition of “platform service provider” has been amended to exclude certain types of accommodations, such as those related to outdoor recreational activities or specific forms of student housing.
Another critical aspect of the regulation is the registration process for both short-term rental offers and platform service providers. The registration requirements stipulate that property hosts must provide detailed information about their accommodations, such as unit numbers and tax identification details, while platform service providers must confirm the validity of registration numbers posted by suppliers on their platforms. Short-term rental offers must also meet specific terms and conditions, including compliance with local bylaws and the requirement to register within 14 days of any changes to key information.
The regulation further establishes the fees associated with registration and renewal processes for both property hosts and platform service providers. For short-term rental offers, the fees vary depending on whether the accommodation is the property host’s principal residence or involves the entire property. Platform service providers are subject to different fee structures based on the scale of their operation, with larger providers facing higher registration fees.
The regulation includes details on how platform service providers should handle registration number validations. The new rules stipulate that platforms must verify the registration numbers of hosts before listing offers, with different requirements for major, medium, and minor providers. These platforms must conduct regular checks to ensure that the information is up-to-date and compliant with the registration rules. In instances where registration numbers are found to be invalid, the platform service provider must take action to remove the listing, ensuring the integrity of the registration system.
These steps are part of a broader effort to regulate and manage the growing short-term rental market, balancing the needs of hosts, service providers, and the public while ensuring compliance with local laws.
British Columbia (25/2025) January 24, 2025