In a bid to address the challenges associated with short-term rentals, the Province of British Columbia has introduced significant changes to its regulations, particularly targeting platforms like Airbnb. These changes, effective from May 1, 2024, aim to strike a balance between promoting the sharing economy and ensuring that communities are not adversely affected by the influx of short-term rental properties. A key aspect of these regulations is the principal residence requirement, which places limitations on where short-term rentals can be offered.
Principal Residence Requirement:
The cornerstone of the new regulations is the provincial principal residence requirement. Hosts are now limited to renting out their principal residence, along with one secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit. This measure is designed to prevent the conversion of potential long-term housing into short-term rentals, thereby contributing to housing affordability and stability in the province.
Local Bylaws and Compliance:
While the provincial principal residence requirement sets a baseline, local governments have the flexibility to enact more restrictive bylaws based on their specific needs. This means that hosts must not only adhere to the provincial regulations but also stay informed about and comply with any additional rules imposed by their local municipality. For hosts operating in areas with existing bylaws, continued compliance is crucial.
Communities Affected:
The principal residence requirement applies broadly across British Columbia, affecting municipalities with a population of 10,000 or more, as well as smaller neighboring communities. The list includes, but is not limited to:
Salmon Arm
Coldstream
Kamloops
Kelowna
West Kelowna
Lake Country
Summerland
Exemptions to the Rule:
Certain types of accommodations are exempt from the principal residence requirement due to ownership or use restrictions that make them unsuitable as permanent housing. Exempt accommodations include:
Certain strata-titled hotels or motels
Time share properties
Home exchanges
Fractional ownership properties where the owner may not use the property as a principal residence
Lodges providing overnight accommodation for outdoor recreational activities
Living accommodations primarily for students and employees of educational institutions, owned or operated by the institution or a non-profit organization
Strata corporation guest suites
As British Columbia adapts to the changing landscape of short-term rentals, hosts, and platforms like Airbnb must stay abreast of these regulations to ensure compliance. The principal residence requirement and the flexibility for local governments to enact additional bylaws underscore the province's commitment to balancing the benefits of the sharing economy with the need for housing stability. Hosts are encouraged to seek legal advice and stay informed about any developments in the regulatory landscape to navigate this evolving terrain successfully.
Definitions:
Principal residence:
A principal residence is the residence an individual lives in for a longer period during a calendar year than any other place.
Secondary suite:
A secondary suite is a self-contained living unit with its own kitchen, sleeping area, and washroom facilities, and which is contained within a larger dwelling unit.
Short-term rental:
Short-term rentals are accommodations provided to members of the public in a host’s property, in exchange for money, for a period of less than 90 consecutive days. They are generally tourist accommodations that are often found in residential or resort areas. They may be advertised via online platforms such as Airbnb, VRBO, Expedia and FlipKey, and may also be advertised on other web forums including Facebook Marketplace, or found in classified ads in newspapers. Short-term rentals do not include accommodation that was intended to be provided for 90 days or longer, but which unexpectedly ends before 90 days have passed.
Accessory dwelling unit:
An accessory dwelling unit (often referred to as an ADU) is a self-contained living unit with its own kitchen, sleeping area, and washroom facilities, and which is located on the same property as a dwelling unit. An accessory dwelling unit is sometimes referred to as a garden suite, laneway home, carriage house or garage suite.
Fractional ownership:
Fractional ownership refers to a situation where a host owns a part or fraction of a property owner, typically with the right to use it for an equal fraction of the year. The owner is restricted from using the property as their primary residence because of rules outlined in the fractional ownership agreement.
Home exchange:
A home exchange is an arrangement where a person offers a right to use the person’s property for accommodation in B.C. in exchange for the right to use another person’s property. It is also referred to as house swapping.
Outdoor Recreational Activity:
Outdoor recreational activities, as defined in section 8 (2) of the Prescribed Classes of Property Regulation, are certain activities that are typically connected to lodges. These activities are either organized by or through the operator of the overnight commercial accommodation, or are carried out with a guide.
B.C.'s short-term rental principal residence regulations: Click here
Disclaimer and Legal Considerations:
It's crucial for individuals involved in short-term rentals to understand that the information provided by the Province of British Columbia is a starting point and not a substitute for legal advice. The regulations are subject to change, and the interpretation of legislation may be influenced by court decisions. In case of a conflict between the information presented and the legislation or regulations, the latter prevails.
Jez Nichols
CIR Realty Shuswap
Reach out now - call/text: 250-515-5391
Send me an email: jeznichols@gmail.com
