Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act (STRAA)

The Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act (STRAA) is British Columbia legislation that restricts short-term rental accommodations (typically under 90 days) in most communities to a host's principal residence plus one secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit. It came into effect May 1, 2024 (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current). Local governments may impose additional restrictions through their own bylaws. Verify current application and any exemptions with a BC lawyer or the applicable local government before operating a short-term rental.

STRAA establishes a provincial framework, but its application depends on the local government's bylaws and whether the community is subject to provincial restrictions. Some resort municipalities and specific areas may have exemptions or different rules under the Act (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current). The Act works in conjunction with local government authority under the Local Government Act, RSBC 2015, c. 1. Verify with your local government and a BC lawyer whether STRAA applies to your specific property and location.

Under STRAA, a principal residence is generally the place where the host ordinarily resides for the majority of the year (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current). The Province of British Columbia administers the compliance framework, and the definition aligns with the concept used in other BC housing legislation. Specific eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and enforcement details should be verified with the BC Ministry of Housing or a BC lawyer before listing a property as a short-term rental.

Under STRAA, in most BC communities, short-term rentals are restricted to a host's principal residence plus one secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit on the same parcel (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current). Renting multiple properties as short-term rentals is generally prohibited unless the properties are located in exempt resort areas or the local government has opted out or adopted alternative bylaws. Verify the rules for your municipality and property type with a BC lawyer or the local government before proceeding.

STRAA authorizes significant administrative penalties for non-compliance, including fines that can reach tens of thousands of dollars per violation (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current amounts and enforcement procedures). The Province of British Columbia and local governments share enforcement responsibilities. Penalties, investigation processes, and appeal rights are set out in the Act and regulations. Verify current penalty amounts, enforcement policies, and your obligations with a BC lawyer or the BC Ministry of Housing before operating a short-term rental.

STRAA requires hosts to hold a valid provincial short-term rental business licence number (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current), and many local governments also require a separate municipal business licence or permit under Local Government Act, RSBC 2015, c. 1, bylaws. Compliance with both provincial and local licensing requirements is mandatory. Verify the specific licensing, registration, and disclosure requirements with your local government and the BC Ministry of Housing before listing your property.

Yes, STRAA applies to strata properties, and strata corporations may also restrict or prohibit short-term rentals through bylaws passed under the Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c. 43 (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current). A strata's rental restrictions or prohibitions can be more restrictive than STRAA. Owners must comply with both STRAA, local government bylaws, and their strata corporation's bylaws. Verify your strata's bylaws and any Form B disclosure with a BC lawyer or notary before operating a short-term rental in a strata property.

STRAA provides for exemptions in designated resort municipalities and certain regional districts where tourism is a significant economic driver (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current list). Local governments may also apply to opt out or adopt alternative frameworks. Specific exemptions, designated areas, and opt-out status change over time. Verify whether your property's location qualifies for an exemption with the BC Ministry of Housing, your local government, and a BC lawyer before assuming an exemption applies.

The Residential Tenancy Act, SBC 2002, c. 78, governs tenancies of 30 days or longer (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current), while STRAA regulates short-term accommodations typically under 90 days. If a rental transitions from short-term to a longer tenancy, RTA protections may apply. The interplay between STRAA, local bylaws, and the RTA can be complex. Verify the classification of your rental arrangement and your obligations under both statutes with a BC lawyer or the Residential Tenancy Branch before entering into any rental agreement.

Official information about STRAA is available from the BC Ministry of Housing at www.gov.bc.ca and from your local government (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current). The Province administers the licensing portal, and local governments enforce their own bylaws under the Local Government Act, RSBC 2015, c. 1. Because the regulatory landscape is evolving and penalties are significant, verify your specific obligations, licensing requirements, exemptions, and compliance steps with a BC lawyer, your local government, and the BC Ministry of Housing before listing or operating a short-term rental.