New BC Short-Term Rental Rules: What Airbnb Hosts Need to Know in 2026
The "wild west" of Airbnb in BC is over. The provincial legislation introduced in 2024 is fully enforced in 2026. If you are an investor, you must understand these constraints.
The Principal Residence Requirement
In most BC municipalities (over 10k population), you can ONLY offer short-term rentals (under 90 days) in:
- Your principal residence (where you live most of the year).
- One secondary suite or laneway home on that same property.
Investment condos that you do not live in cannot be Airbnb'd legally.
Enforcement & Fines
Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO now share data directly with the province. Fines have increased to up to $3,000 per day for non-compliance. It is not a risk worth taking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about this topic. Can't find the answer you're looking for? Reach out to our team.
Some specific resort municipalities (like Whistler or parts of Kelowna) have different rules. Always check the specific local zoning.
Yes. Rentals of 30 days or longer are considered "long-term" tenancies and are generally exempt from these specific short-term bans.