The amendment to the Short-Term Rental Accommodations Regulation, B.C. Reg. 268/2023, introduces significant updates to assist in compliance and clarify the roles and responsibilities of platform service providers in British Columbia. The regulation makes a series of technical and administrative changes outlined in the Schedule. For example, the first change updates Section 13.1(4) by allowing flexibility in data submission methods. Instead of being restricted to using a specific application programming interface designated by the registrar, service providers can now submit data through this interface or in another electronic format as specified by the minister. Another example is the revision of Section 13.1(5)(c), the simplification of the reporting requirements by mandating monthly reporting without additional qualifiers.

Substantial changes are made to Section 13.2, which concerns the confirmation of registration numbers linked to short-term rental listings. Subsection (2)(b) is replaced to clarify that a platform service provider must verify the validity of a registration number in accordance with Section 13.1. New subsections are added to address scenarios where service providers are temporarily unable to confirm registration validity due to system disruptions. Under subsection (2.1), if a disruption prevents confirmation within the required time frame, service providers may still offer platform services if certain conditions are met. Subsection (2.2) defines the types of disruptions that qualify, such as temporary failures in APIs, portals, or electronic systems essential for validating registration numbers, provided no commercially reasonable steps are available to mitigate the issue. Subsection (2.3) lays out obligations during such disruptions. Platform providers must notify the registrar within one business day, detailing the nature of the disruption. Depending on their size classification—major, medium, or minor—they must attempt to revalidate registration numbers within specified time intervals. Additionally, they must cooperate with the registrar to resolve issues and confirm the registration number as soon as the disruption ends.

The regulation introduces a new Division 4 under Part 4, which establishes rules around information sharing. Specifically, the minister responsible for the Financial Administration Act is now designated as a prescribed person for the purposes of section 34(5) of the Act. This allows for the sharing of information for prescribed purposes under section 33(2)(b)(i) to (iii), including compliance, enforcement, and program evaluation activities. This addition ensures that financial oversight and regulatory bodies can access relevant data to monitor and assess short-term rental operations effectively.

Together, these amendments amend the regulation and are aimed at improving clarity around compliance responsibilities, ensuring better data sharing and geographic accuracy. These amendments provide a more flexible framework for platform service providers while improving oversight capabilities for regulators. The changes are especially responsive to technological issues that may interfere with service providers’ ability to verify listings, attempting to strike a balance between enforcement and operational feasibility.

British Columbia (277/2025) June 11, 2025
Disclaimer: Insights are for informational purposes only and do not reflect RRI’s official position or constitute legal opinion.