QUALICUM BEACH – In 2023, the Province enacted Bill 35, the Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act, aimed at addressing the housing crisis and regulating short-term rental listings.
While Bill 35 will not change the Town’s regulations on Short Term Vacation Rentals (STVR), the Province will begin enforcing their regulations as of May 1, 2024.
Does the Town permit Short-Term Vacation Rentals (STVRs) in residential areas?
No. The Town has never permitted STVRs in residential zones, except those designated as Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs).
Has the Town adopted new restrictions?
No. At the April 10, 2024, regular Council meeting, Council decided to not make any changes to STVRs in Qualicum Beach, allowing only B&Bs. In 2027 Council will conduct a thorough review of expanding STVRs in the Town.
Will Bed and Breakfasts currently operating in the Town be allowed to continue to operate?
Yes. Bed and Breakfasts may continue to operate in compliance with applicable Town bylaws and policies.
In what zones are Bed and Breakfasts a permitted use?
A1, A2, A3, A4, CD8, CD15, CD18, RR1, R1, R2, R5, R14.
What are the requirements for a Bed & Breakfast?
- must be conducted in the single-family dwelling (not secondary suite attached or detached building),
- have sleeping rooms contained within the dwelling,
- have the owner reside in the dwelling during rental,
- provide breakfast as the only meal served, before noon, and
- have a Town issued business license.
How will the Province Enforce Bill 35?
The Province will be monitoring all online STVR platforms such as Airbnb, VRBO, Expedia, FlipKey, etc. Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, Craigslist, Classified Ads (newspapers etc.) Any operations that do not have a license will be required to either come into compliance or cease operation.
What are the fines for non-compliance of the provincial regulations?
The Province is responsible for enforcement of provincial regulations. To date there is no information on the specific enforcement measures that will be utilized by the Province.
Will there a be a grace period for owners of non-conforming STVRs?
The grace period for homeowners to come into compliance with provincial regulations ends on May 1, 2024.
What if I rent my house/unit month to month?
Month-to-month leases for residential accommodation do not come under the STVR classification as long as rental is continuous with the same tenant. This type of accommodation comes under the Residential Tenancy Act.
Are STVRs allowed in zones where Resort Condominium is permitted?
The Town allows STVRs in zones where Resort Condominium is a permitted use (C2, C6, C8, C9, and CD1). However, it is the responsibility of the applicant to confirm compliance with all provincial regulations, including the ‘Principal Resident Requirement’. An application for a valid business license is required. Subject to the applicant’s written confirmation that they comply with provincial requirements, the Town could issue a STVR business license in these zones.
Source: Town of Qualicum Beach