Vancouver rental license process
Vancouver's Rental Registration Program launches January 1, 2026, requiring all long-term residential rental properties to register annually. Health and safety inspections begin mid-late 2027. We handle each step for you.
Important Deadline: Registration opens January 1, 2026. Registration fees are waived if you register within the first 90 days (by March 30, 2026). Annual renewals are due by February 15 each year starting 2027.
Confirm Property Location
1 business dayWe verify your property is within Vancouver city limits using the city's address lookup tool, as the program applies to incorporated city limits, not just ZIP codes.
Business License Verification
1-2 business daysWe ensure you have (or help you obtain) a City of Vancouver business license for long-term rentals, which is required in addition to rental registration.
Gather Property Information
1-2 business daysWe collect all required property details: address, year built, rental type, unit counts, bedroom/bathroom counts, owner and local contact information, and income-restricted status if applicable.
Create Registration Account
1 business dayWe create an account in the Rental Registration Portal when it opens January 1, 2026, and prepare all property information for submission.
Submit Registration & Pay Fees
1 business dayWe submit your property registration and handle payment of the $30 per-unit annual fee. If registered within the first 90 days (by March 30, 2026), the 2026 fee is waived. Income-restricted units (≤60% AMI) are fee-exempt.
Post & Provide Tenant Documentation
Within 30 days of registrationWe ensure you post the registration at the property and provide written information to tenants about the registration program and renter rights/resources, including in new lease packets starting January 2026.
Prepare for Future Inspections
OngoingEven though inspections don't start until mid-2027, we help you prepare by addressing known safety issues and ensuring units meet basic habitability standards (HQS-style).
Annual Renewal & Compliance
Annual, starting 2027We handle annual renewals (fees due by February 15 each year starting 2027), keep all registrations current, and prepare for the inspection program launch.
Overall timeline
Registration opens January 1, 2026. Early registration (by March 30, 2026) waives the 2026 fee. Annual renewals are due by February 15 each year starting 2027. Health and safety inspections begin mid-late 2027.