Short-Term Rentals in BC Stratas: The 2026 Airbnb and VRBO Bylaw Guide.

Short-term rentals (STRs) have been one of the most divisive issues in BC strata governance for the better part of a decade. The 2023 Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act (Bill 35) and the 2025 provincial registry have changed the landscape, not by removing strata authority, but by adding a parallel enforcement system that, for the first time, gives councils real leverage.

The two enforcement systems, side by side

Every short-term rental in a BC strata now sits under two sets of rules:

• Provincial (Bill 35): authority is provincial statute; trigger is listing without registration or non-principal residence; penalties up to $50,000 per host and $10,000/day per platform; enforced by provincial compliance unit + platforms.
• Strata corporation: authority is strata bylaws; trigger is bylaw violation regardless of provincial status; penalties up to $1,000/day per contravention; enforced by council via warning + hearing + fine.

The two pathways are independent. A short-term rental can comply with provincial rules and still violate strata bylaws (e.g., a host renting their principal residence in a strata that bans STRs).

Drafting a bylaw that holds up

1. A clear definition

Define short-term rental specifically. The most enforceable wording: “any rental of a strata lot or any portion thereof for a period of less than [30 days / one calendar month].” Consistency matters: if you use 30 days, never refer to “less than a month” anywhere else.

2. The prohibition

State the prohibition unambiguously: “No owner or occupant shall rent a strata lot, or any portion thereof, on a short-term rental basis as defined in this bylaw.”

3. Platform-specific reach

Modern STR bylaws expressly capture rentals through any platform: “This prohibition includes, but is not limited to, rentals advertised or facilitated through Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com, FlipKey, or any similar platform.”

4. The fine schedule

Set a specific fine: “A breach of this bylaw shall incur a fine of $500 for the first day of contravention and $500 for each day of continuing contravention, up to a maximum of $1,000 per day.”

5. The enforcement procedure

Reference the Standard Bylaws’ enforcement procedure (warning, opportunity to be heard, council decision). Don’t try to invent a faster pathway. CRT applicants will challenge it.

The enforcement playbook

1. Document. Screenshot the listing (URL, dates, prices, photos that identify the unit), record any check-in / check-out activity, photograph guests with luggage if reasonable.
2. Verify the unit. Match the listing photos to a specific strata lot.
3. Issue a warning letter. Cite the specific bylaw, describe the alleged contravention, give the owner 14 days to request a hearing.
4. Hold the hearing if requested. Section 34.1 SPA gives the owner the right to a hearing within four weeks.
5. Make the decision. Council’s decision should reference the evidence and the bylaw. Document in minutes.
6. Impose the fine. Continuing fines accrue daily up to the bylaw maximum.
7. Report to the Province. Report the listing through the provincial complaints system.
8. Collect. Unpaid fines accrue to the owner’s account and ultimately can be collected through lien.

The 30-day workaround

Some hosts attempt to avoid STR rules by accepting only 30+ day bookings. If the bylaw uses a “less than 30 days” threshold, a technically-compliant 30-day booking is hard to challenge as an STR. Most provincial rules also kick in for repeated 30-day bookings to different occupants. The principal residence requirement applies regardless of stay length.

Major events: FIFA 2026, Olympics, etc.

Major event traffic doesn’t change the rules. Many councils issue clarifying communications before major events to remind owners that the principal residence requirement still applies, the strata’s STR bylaw still applies, both pathways remain available for enforcement, and fines accumulate daily during the event period.

Common questions from owners. “Can I rent my unit while I’m away on vacation?” Generally yes, as long as the rental is at least 30 days or your strata’s STR bylaw permits it. “Does the strata have to allow Airbnb if my unit is my principal residence?” No. The strata can ban STRs entirely, regardless of provincial rules. “What if I rent to friends and don’t charge?” Often still captured. “Rent” in most bylaws is broadly defined.