Vancouver rental business licence process
Step-by-step guide to obtaining long-term and short-term rental business licences in the City of Vancouver.
Long-term rental business licence process (90+ days)
To rent a residential property you own for 90 days or more at a time, you need a long-term rental business licence (even if you hire a property manager).
Pre-check for older buildings (pre-1956)
City may need to inspect to confirm number of dwelling units; may require a floor plan.
Gather required documents
IDs, authorization letter (if representative), incorporation docs (if corporation).
Submit application
Apply online (track status) or apply by mail (use rental property application form).
Display your licence
Single unit: display in unit; Multi-unit: post in an accessible common area.
Overall timeline: Processing times vary by business type/time of year (no fixed SLA stated).
Short-term rental business licence process (<90 days)
Renting your home for less than 90 consecutive days requires a short-term rental business licence and the unit must be your principal residence.
Check eligibility
Verify principal residence requirements, one licence per person, and ensure you meet all City criteria.
Meet safety requirements
Install interconnected smoke alarms, CO detectors if gas, fire extinguishers, fire plan, etc.; keep annual inspection/test records.
Get required approvals
Obtain strata and/or landlord approval, if applicable. These must be in writing.
Apply online
Submit ID + approvals; pay fees ($77 application + $1,108 annual licence fee).
Operate & maintain
Post licence, include number in listings, renew annually by Dec 31, allow inspections if requested.
Overall timeline: City notes it may contact you within 5 business days to verify and may request inspection access/records.
Special deadlines: Renew annually by December 31.
Additional requirements
Provincial STR registry
After receiving the City licence, short-term rental hosts must also register with the Province of BC and pay a separate provincial fee. Failure to register may lead to listings being removed and bookings cancelled by platforms.
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