Vancouver – The Government of British Columbia has announced the launch of a new short-term rental (STR) registry aimed at increasing housing availability and curbing illegal rental operations.
“We are taking action to help more people find a home in the communities they love by reining in speculators who are operating illegally,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “This registry supports compliant hosts while cracking down on rule breakers.”
The registry, which comes into effect May 1, 2025, will require all hosts listing on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo to obtain a provincial registration number. Non-compliant listings will be removed as of June 1, 2025.
Key Registration Details:
• Fees:
• $100/year for rentals where the host resides (e.g., a rented-out bedroom or whole home during the host’s absence).
• $450/year for secondary residences, such as suites or cottages.
• $600/year for entire strata hotels.
• Early registration discounts:
• 50% off for registrations completed by Feb. 28, 2025.
• 25% off for registrations completed by March 31, 2025.
Revenue from registration fees will support enforcement and compliance across B.C., ensuring fair practices and increased long-term rental availability.
Hosts can register online at gov.bc.ca/strregistry.