January 2024
Disclaimer. This page is intended solely to assist you in understanding the regulations you may need to comply with. The information provided here is not exhaustive and may not reflect the most current legal standards. It is your responsibility to ensure compliance with applicable laws. For further guidance, please contact your local tax authorities or consult with a qualified legal or tax professional.
In October 2023, the province of British Columbia passed Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act (STRAA) and relevant regulations. It amends the Local Government Act and regulates short-term rental of less than 90 days. For more information, please visit this official portal about STR regulation in British Columbia.
Taxation
Your hosting activity may be subject to various taxes. misterb&b registered to collect certain applicable taxes, for any stays not exceeding 89 consecutive days. For more information, check our FAQ about sales/lodging tax collection in Canada.
You remain responsible for registering for, collecting and/or remitting any other taxes applicable to your hosting activity.
Provincial principal residence requirement
A short-term rental is defined by local law as the transient rental of an accommodation for fewer than 90 consecutive days.
- STR in principal residence only. In municipalities with a population of 10,000 and over and in smaller neighboring communities, STRs are permitted only in the Host’s principal residence. However, this requirement may not apply for certain types of rentals or where a local government opted-out (under certain conditions). Official lists and map detailing the communities/situations for which the requirement apply/does not apply is maintained here.
- Secondary dwelling. You can also manage an STR either in one secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit adjacent to your principal residence.
The provincial principal residence requirement is intended to be a minimum standard for regulating short-term rentals. A local government may prefer to be more restrictive. For more information about this requirement please visit this official page.
STR provincial registration
Hosts must register with the province. Please visit this official page for more information.
- Registration process. To register the STR unit, follow these steps and see this guide for more details. Click here for a detailed list of required information and documents to register.
- Registration number. By completing the registration, you will receive a provincial registration number that must be displayed on all online listings in B.C., effective May 1, 2025.
- Registration renewal. The registrations must be renewed annually, they must resubmit proof of the principal residence every three years
- Exemptions. The following accommodations are not required to register with the Province: accommodations over 90 days long per booking, accommodations on Reserve lands, accommodations on the Nisga’a Lands or the treaty lands of a treaty First nation, hotels, motels, hostels; a vehicle, such as an RV, a tent or other temporary shelter, home exchanges, accommodation of outdoor recreational activities, student or employee housing, strata corporation guest suites
You must add the provincial registration number to misterb&b listings (go to the “Local Requirements and Taxes” tab, via “Edit my listing”). In the absence of your provincial registration number, misterb&b will be required to take down the listing.
Local business registration
Many local governments require a business license to operate a short-term rental. Where this is the case, you must add the local business license number to your misterb&b listing(s) (go to the “Local Requirements” page, via “Edit my listing”). In the absence of a valid local business license number, misterb&b may delete your listing.
Third-party rules
- Community rules. Verify that no lease agreements, homeowners’ association bylaws, covenants, conditions & restrictions (CC&Rs) or other prohibit the use of your unit as a STR;
- Lease contract. If you are a renter, you must make sure hosting Guests do not violate the lease.
Data-sharing and privacy
misterb&b is required by law to save and share some information with the Province of British Columbia. It includes the Host’s names, the listing’s address and URL, and the provincial registration number.
By using misterb&b, the Host consents to the collection, retention, use and disclosure of his information to the Province (in accordance with all legal obligations and processes).