Can I Still Airbnb My Property in BC in 2025?
Short-term rentals like Airbnb and VRBO have been under the microscope in British Columbia—and as of May 1, 2025, new provincial rules officially kicked in.
So, can you still Airbnb your property legally? Yes, you can, but it depends on where your property is and how you use it.
The New BC Airbnb Rules: What Changed in 2025
Under the Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act, BC introduced the “principal residence requirement” for most communities across the province.
👉 If your property is located in:
- A city with a population of 10,000+, or
- Within 15 km of one,
…then you can only short-term rent your principal residence.
Principal residence means:
- The home you live in most of the year (minimum 183 days annually).
- The address listed on your government ID, bills, taxes, and insurance.
What This Means for Hosts
If your property is your principal residence, you can:
- Rent out your entire home while you’re away, up to about half the year.
- Rent out part of the home (e.g., a basement suite, laneway house, or spare bedroom) year-round.
But in both cases, you must:
✅ Apply for a provincial short-term rental business licence
✅ Comply with your municipality’s own bylaws and requirements
Failure to do so could result in hefty fines—and as of June 1, 2025, Airbnb and other platforms are legally required to remove unlicensed listings.
Where You Can Still Airbnb Multiple Properties
Not every community in BC falls under the new rule.
- Smaller municipalities with populations under 10,000 (e.g., Dawson Creek or Golden) still allow multiple short-term rental properties.
- Designated resort areas like Whistler also remain exempt.
However, even in these areas, you still need a valid licence to operate legally.
The Risk for Investors
Here’s the part that has many investors nervous:
➡️ Any municipality can opt in to the principal residence requirement at any time.
This means that even if you buy in a smaller town today, one bylaw change tomorrow could completely shut down your Airbnb business model. To make matters worse, there is also the risk that strata bylaw changes within individual buildings could have the same impact.
The Bottom Line
So—can you still Airbnb in BC in 2025?
✔️ Yes, but only your principal residence if you’re in or near a larger city.
✔️ Yes, in smaller towns or resorts (for now), but always with a licence.
❌ No, if you’re trying to run multiple Airbnbs in most major cities.
And starting June 1, 2025, if your listing doesn’t have a licence? Airbnb will remove it automatically, and you could face penalties.
If you’re considering buying, selling, or investing in property with short-term rental potential, make sure you understand the rules clearly—one bylaw change can make or break your investment.
Common Questions About Airbnb in BC
Can I still Airbnb my condo in Vancouver?
Only if it’s your principal residence and your building’s strata bylaws allow it. You’ll also need a valid licence.
Do I need a business licence to Airbnb in BC?
Yes. As of May 2025, both a provincial short-term rental licence and any required municipal licence are mandatory.
What happens if I host without a licence?
Platforms like Airbnb must remove your listing, and you could face significant fines.
Are resort towns like Whistler exempt?
Yes, Whistler and other designated resort areas are exempt from the principal residence requirement, but a licence is still required.