Short-term rentals

A primary resident can legally rent their principal residence (or a bedroom within their residence) for periods of less than 90 days if they have a business licence. A principal residence is defined as the usual place where an individual makes their home for the majority of the calendar year (a minimum of 240 days per year).

• If a secondary suite or carriage house is used for short-term rental accommodation, it must be operated by a principal resident that resides at a dwelling unit on the same lot as the secondary suite or carriage house.
• Principal residence does not apply to a property in the case that the operator holds a fractional interest and the fractional ownership agreement prohibits the use of the property as a principal residence
• For properties within the Agricultural Land Reserve, short-term rental accommodation must be in accordance with City regulations and the Agricultural Land Reserve. Tourist accommodation in the ALR is permitted up to a maximum of 4 bedrooms and can take place in the principal residence or secondary suite but NOT in an additional residence such as a carriage house.
• For properties within the Agricultural Land Reserve, short-term rental accommodation must be in accordance with City regulations and the Agricultural Land Reserve. Tourist accommodation in the ALR is permitted up to a maximum of 4 bedrooms and can take place in the principal residence or secondary suite but NOT in an additional residence such as a carriage house.

Short-term rental accommodations must have appropriate safety measures in place to protect guests in the event of an emergency. Operators must:

• Provide contact information for someone who is available to respond to incidents 24/7.
• Install a minimum 2A10BC rated fire extinguisher on each floor, which must be wall mounted and visible: it cannot be stored in a closet or cupboard.
• Smoke alarms shall be operated monthly to ensure they are operational. A logbook shall be kept indicating the test dates. Smoke alarms shall be replaced after 10 years
• Test annually, and maintain in working order, all smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and carbon monoxide detectors.

• Operating without a valid business licence.
• Operating contrary to zoning restrictions.
• Listing or advertising a short-term rental without displaying a valid business licence.
• Listing or advertising a short-term rental exceeding approved bedroom count on business licence.
• Listing or advertising a short-term rental without indicating if parking is available or not.
• Operating a short-term rental contrary to your business licence.
• Operating in an unsafe or nuisance property.
• Refusing entry for inspection by a Licence Inspector or City representative.

Operators exceeding licensing requirements or restrictions, and those with repeat offences, may be subject to escalated prosecution and higher fine amounts per offence per day.+ Inspection

City bylaws ensure our community is a safe and enjoyable place for residents and visitors. Hosts must ensure guests are aware of the following rules, as well as any other rules set by your strata, if applicable.

Noise

Because many short-term rental properties are near other residential homes, please ensure your guests are considerate of the public and their neighbours at all times of day. View the Good Neighbour Bylaw to learn more. 

Parking

Hosts should ensure guests know where they can and can’t park. If you provide guest parking, the parking provided must be on your property. Guests are responsible for abiding by parking regulations including any on-street parking time limits or restrictions.

Bylaw: Section 4 of the Traffic Bylaw. 

Dogs

Guests must control their dogs at all times and keep on a leash when outside, unless within a designated off-leash dog park. Guests must also pick up after their dog. 

Garbage and recycling

Hosts should ensure guests have access to recycling and garbage bins. Learn more about garbage, recycling and yard waste options.