B.C. Launching Mandatory Short-Term Rental Registry Starting May 1, 2025

Starting May 1, 2025, British Columbia Will Launch Short-Term Rental Registry

Starting May 1, 2025, British Columbia will introduce a new short-term rental registry, requiring property owners offering short-term accommodations to register and pay an annual fee. This initiative is part of the provincial government’s broader effort to regulate the short-term rental market and increase the availability of long-term housing for residents.

Fees and Requirements

The new registry introduces a tiered fee structure based on the type of property being rented:

To encourage early compliance, the province is offering discounts:

• 50% discount for those who register by February 28, 2025
• 25% discount for those who register by March 31, 2025

Enforcement and Penalties

Starting June 1, 2025, property owners who fail to register will face enforcement actions. This includes having their listings removed from major short-term rental platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo.

The government’s objective is to reduce the strain short-term rentals place on the housing market, discourage speculation, and promote more stable, long-term rental and ownership opportunities for B.C. residents.

Impact on Local Governments and Tourism

B.C. Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon stated that the centralized registry will reduce administrative costs for local governments, who previously managed their own systems. He noted that earlier restrictions have already yielded positive results, with a 10% reduction in the number of entire homes listed as short-term rentals.

While some critics fear these regulations could hurt tourism, Kahlon pointed to strong travel numbers as a reassuring sign. For example, Vancouver International Airport welcomed 22 million passengers between January and October last year—a 5% increase over 2023.

Criticism and Concerns

Not all stakeholders support the new policy. Kristina Loewen, the Conservative rural housing critic, called the registry a “cash grab,” arguing that many municipalities already require business licenses for short-term rentals. She contends that the new system adds unnecessary red tape and could burden hosts with higher costs.

Carson Binda of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation echoed these concerns, calling the registry fee a tax and urging the government to focus instead on increasing housing supply.

A Balancing Act for Property Owners

For short-term rental property managers like Ken Calvert, who oversees 31 cottages in Port Renfrew, the hope is that the registry will be user-friendly and transparent. Still, he expects that the added costs will likely be passed on to guests in the form of higher rental rates.

Why Experts Say It Makes Sense

Despite opposition, some experts believe the registry represents a logical step. Andy Yan, director of Simon Fraser University’s City Program, emphasized that municipalities already regulate traditional businesses, and short-term rentals should be treated similarly. He noted that the registry will give the government vital data to better manage and monitor the sector.

Conclusion

With the launch of the province-wide short-term rental registry on May 1, 2025, British Columbia is taking a significant step toward addressing housing shortages and maintaining oversight of its evolving rental market. While the move may present new challenges for property owners, proactive hosts can benefit from early registration discounts and avoid penalties.

For both homeowners and investors, understanding and preparing for these changes will be essential to remain compliant and competitive in this shifting real estate landscape.

Written by Tanis Read. Originally published on Coldwell Banker Horizon Realty, March 3, 2025.