In British Columbia, a secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit offered for short-term rental may need its own provincial registration even when the main home has a separate registration. Registration is separate from permission to use the unit for short stays: check the local bylaw, any required business licence, and the provincial principal-residence rule for the exact address.
Register the short-stay unit, not each listing
The provincial regulation requires a registration for a short-term rental offer for each accessory dwelling unit or secondary suite, whether or not the primary dwelling is registered. One registration covers a self-contained residential unit even if the host advertises it on more than one platform. A registration is tied to the registered offer and property address; a new property host requires a new registration.
The regulation contains exemptions, and the principal-residence requirement applies only in specified areas and circumstances. Use the Province’s current registry guidance and location information to check whether the property and host qualify. A provincial registration does not approve the unit under local zoning, confirm lawful construction or occupancy, or replace a municipal business licence or other local short-stay requirements.
Prepare the application and annual fee
The Province directs hosts to apply through its online registry. The application asks for the rental address and unit details, including the parcel identifier, bedrooms, and ownership type. Host and manager contact information is also requested. Depending on the address and the applicable principal-residence test, the registry may require supporting identity, ownership, or residence documents. Follow the current address-specific checklist rather than relying on an old document list.
The registration period is one year and hosts must renew annually. The Province currently lists an annual fee of $100 when the accommodation is provided in the host’s principal residence, or $450 when it is provided outside that residence, including in a secondary suite or ADU; a $1.50 service fee also applies. Fee and eligibility exceptions may apply, so confirm the amount shown by the registry when applying.
Keep the registration and listing current
Report prescribed changes within 14 days. These include changes to the host’s principal-residence status and whether the offer covers an entire residence or only part of one. The Province’s current host instructions identify additional changes that require an updated or new application. If the host changes, a new registration is required. By contrast, the regulation does not require a new registration solely because the unit has a new platform listing or a different selection of rooms, provided the unit is already registered.
Once approved, add the provincial registration number to each listing and make sure the advertised address matches the address on the registration. Where the local government requires a business licence, display that number too. A missing or invalid registration can affect whether a platform may continue to advertise or accept bookings.
Before offering stays, confirm the unit’s legal status, the applicable local short-term-rental rules, business-licence conditions, the provincial principal-residence requirement, and any strata, tenancy, insurance, or title restrictions. The rules differ by location and can change; the current provincial registry and local authority determine what applies to a particular property.