British Columbia

When deciding whether to become an Airbnb host, it is important for you to understand the laws in your region or city. As a platform and online marketplace we do not provide legal advice, but we want to provide resources that may help you better understand applicable laws and regulations. This list is not exhaustive, but it may give you a good start in understanding your local laws. If you have questions, visit the short-term rental homepage or other government agencies directly, or consult a local lawyer or tax professional.

If you have any questions, please refer the following resources and/or contact methods:

1. British Columbia’s Short term rental page
2. Short-term Rental Registry team’s Email: STRregistry@gov.bc.ca
3. Provincial government Hotline: 1-833-828-2240

Registration

All hosts in BC will be required to register with the provincial government by May 1, 2025 to continue hosting. Depending on where your listing is located, you may also require a business license from your local government. Please review both sections below carefully.

Provincial registration

All Airbnb hosts are required to register with the provincial government by May 1, 2025 to continue hosting. Failure to register by May 1, 2025 will result in your listing being removed from the platform and future short-term rental bookings after June 1st, 2025 cancelled. Details on registration can be found here. You are encouraged to begin the application process as soon as possible to prevent any impacts on your ability to host.

Hosts are also required to display their provincial registration number on their listing. Airbnb launched a new provincial registration number field where you can input your provincial registration number.

Please note certain listings are exempt from registering and can claim an exemption with Airbnb instead. Review this page for eligible exemption categories.

To claim a registration exemption

Municipalities

Some local governments also require short-term rental hosts to register their listings. Registering for these local government business license numbers are separate from the provincial registration process and must also be completed. If you are uncertain if you are required to register with your local government, please contact them directly.

To add your local government business license number or provincial registration to your Airbnb listing follow these instructions:

1. Click or tap Listings and select the listing you want to edit
2. In Listing editor, click or tap Settings 
3. Click or tap Regulations and complete the information required

NOTE: Please be sure to add your registration details to the correct input fields. All provincial registration numbers should be added to the Register your listing with the province field and not input fields reserved for local municipality registration details.

The provincial government has confirmed that the following communities require hosts to register with their local government.

Application process

Follow these steps to register a short-term rental unit with the province:

NOTE: Refer to this document or British Columbia’s Short term rental page for a detailed step-by-step breakdown.

1. Gather your required information and documents
2. Review the terms and conditions of registration
3. Log-in/create a BC Registries Account​ to access the Short-Term Rental Registry
4. Complete the application form to register your short-term rental
5. Receive an email notification when your application has been approved or denied
6. View your dashboard to see your registration number or check the status of your registration
7. Follow the instructions in your registration letter and update your short-term rental listings by May 1, 2025 to avoid disruptions.

Fees

Hosts must pay an annual fee to register their short-term rental based on the type of short-term rental accommodation. Fees will not be refunded if an application is denied.

• Fees for a short-term rental you live in are $100 annually.
• Fees for a short-term rental you don't live in are $450 annually.

Other contracts and rules 

As a host, you need to understand and abide by other contracts or rules that bind you, including leases, co-op rules, HOA rules, or other rules established by tenant organizations. You should be able to find out more by contacting your housing authority (such as a community council) or landlord. Your lease (or other contract) might also have specific details.

Our commitment to your community

We are committed to working with local officials to help them understand how Airbnb benefits our community. Where needed, we will continue to advocate for changes that will allow regular people to rent out their own homes.