Is airbnb legal in Victoria, BC?

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Yes, Airbnb is legal in Victoria, BC in certain areas, and in certain buildings and homes. You must meet specific eligibility requirements and obtain a Short-Term Rental Business License from the City of Victoria.

Do you need permission to run an Airbnb in Victoria, BC?

Yes - you need permission from the City of Victoria, and you also need permission from your strata association if you live in a strata (a condominium/apartment building), as well as the owner’s permission if you do not own the unit you plan to rent.

Did you know? We can help you find property in Victoria which allows short-term rentals, and help you obtain all of the necessary paperwork and permissions to operate. Get in touch today and let us help you seize opportunity, without the stress.

What are the eligibility requirements for operating an Airbnb in Victoria, BC?

The City of Victoria and it’s Short-term Rental Regulation Bylaw make a distinction between short-term rentals that are located in your principal residence and those that are not your principal residence.

Principal Residence

If your short-term rental is located in your principal residence, then you are an eligible operator if you (i) rent the whole home/unit out on occasion (like when you are on vacation); or (ii) while you are there, by renting out up to two bedrooms with shared kitchen and living spaces.

In this case, you would need to apply for a Short-Term Rental Business License and pay the Short-Term Rental Business License fee of $150/year. If your principal residence is located in a strata, you would also need to ensure your strata’s bylaws and regulations do not prohibit short-term rentals, and would require the strata’s consent to obtain a business license.

Non-Principal Residence

If the unit you are looking to rent is not your principal residence, then it must be located in an area where transient accommodation used to be a permitted use under the Zoning Bylaw, and in a building that previously operated a short-term rental prior to the zoning changes (what is known as a legally non-confirming unit per the Local Government Act).

In this case, your strata association bylaws and regulations must also permit short-term rentals and you must obtain strata consent, and obtain a Short-Term Rental Business License and pay a fee of $1500/year.

Did you know? We can help you find property in Victoria which allows short-term rentals, and help you obtain all of the necessary paperwork and permissions to operate. Get in touch today and let us help you seize opportunity, without the stress.

PLEASE NOTE: This article is not legal advice. It has been written in general terms and should be seen as broad guidance only. This article cannot be relied upon to cover specific situations and you should not act, or refrain from acting, upon the information contained herein without obtaining specific professional advice.