Which Buildings Allow Airbnb/VRBO in Vancouver?
Almost every strata/condo building in downtown Vancouver has voted through bylaws not permitting short term rentals. Although there are strict rules surrounding the issue, there are some strata buildings which still allow for short term rentals like Airbnb and vacation rentals by owner (VRBO). You will need to apply for a license to do so, but knowing which properties allow short term rentals may factor into your investment decisions.
Does Vancouver Support Short Term Rentals?
The rise of Vancouver property in the last decade has priced a lot of residents out of the market. In order to make housing more available and affordable, a number of taxes have been implemented to try and resupply the market with unused or vacant properties. Similarly, the City of Vancouver has implemented rules and regulations surrounding short term rental properties, such as those used for Airbnb, in attempt to make housing more affordable for city residents.
A ‘short term’ rental is one that occurs for less than 30 days. Prior to April 2018, the only short term rentals available were licensed hotels and bed and breakfasts. From September 2018 however, homeowners have been able to apply for a short-term rentals business license, and use their property to supplement their income.
Whilst short term rentals are now permitted, they must:
Adhere to the City of Vancouver rules surrounding Airbnb/VRBO
Be permitted by the strata bylaws
Does My Vancouver Property Qualify for Airbnb?
The main stipulation when it comes to the short term rentals license in Vancouver is that the property must be your primary residence. That is, you live in it for at least 180 days of the year. The rental can be the entire home or a room within it, and property owners must acquire both the license and approval from their strata body to qualify. It also needs to meet the required safety standards, such as fire safety, and be considered a legal dwelling.
It’s important to note that these restrictions only apply to strata buildings. If you own a freehold property you are free to use it as you wish.
Strata Buildings That ALLOW Airbnb in Vancouver
Whilst we aim to maintain the accuracy and recency of this list of Airbnb/VRBO approved properties in Vancouver, strata rules can literally be changed at any time. The following details the most up-to-date list for buildings that allow for short-term rentals for Airbnb/VRBO, as well as which strata buildings in Vancouver allow short-term rentals for 30 days or more.
For the most up-to-date information regarding which strata buildings allow for short-term rentals in Vancouver, or if you’re looking for a buyers agent to acquire one of these properties, please reach out and connect with our team.
618 and 688 Abbott Street (Also same at 58 Keefer Place as they are same development) – Firenze
689 Abbott Street – Espana
555 Abbott Street – Paris Place
1060 Alberni Street – The Carlyle
907 Beach Avenue – Coral Court
890 Broughton Street – 890 Broughton
1050 Burrard Street – Wall Centre
1160 Burrard Street – 1160 Burrard
1238 Burrard Street – Altadena
1010 Chico Street – Chilco Park
933, 955, & 983 E Hastings Street – Strathcona Village
1228 Homer Street – Ellison
1331 Homer Street – Pacific Point 2
1010 Howe Street – Fortune House
183 Keefer Place – Paris Place
188 Keefer Place – Espana
718 Main Street – Ginger
1166 Melville Street – Orca Place
87 and 89 Nelson Street – Arc
989 Nelson Street – Electra
28 Powell Street – Powell Lane
933 Seymour Street – Spot
1372 Seymour Street – Mark
141 Water Street – Malkin Building
33 West Pender Street – 33 West Pender
Strata Buildings in Vancouver That Allow Short Term Lease/Rental- Minimum 30 Day Lease
Whilst some strata buildings in Vancouver allow Airbnb/VRBO, others require a minimum 30-day lease term to be eligible for short term rental. Similar to rental properties allowing less than 30-day terms, these restrictions are dictated by individual strata regulations and can vary between buildings, or change with each meeting of the strata body. It’s also important to note that property owners are still required to adhere to the City of Vancouver rules surrounding short term rentals, including acquiring a short term rentals business license.
At the time of writing, the following properties allow for short term rentals in Vancouver, for a minimum lease length of 30 days:
27 Alexander – Alexis
1200 Alberni Street – The Palisades
1288 Alberni Street – The Palisades
1003 Burnaby Street – Milano
928 Richards Street – Savoy
188 Keefer Street – 188 Keefer
1133 Hornby Street – Addition
We will continue to add to/maintain this list as new information becomes available. If you are aware of any other strata properties that allow Airbnb or VRBO in Vancouver or would like to notify us about incorrect/out-dated information please don’t hesitate to contact our team.