Short Term Rental Regulations in the City of Richmond

In Richmond, a short-term rental is defined as renting part of a dwelling unit for less than 30 consecutive days in exchange for payment.

Licensing Options

1. Bed and Breakfast (B&B) Business Licence

To qualify for a B&B licence:

• The property must be a detached house (not an apartment, duplex, or townhome).
• The operator must be the registered owner or an immediate family member and reside in the home as their principal residence.
• Operators must notify neighbours of the proposed B&B operation and provide contact information.
• Three rooms can be rented simultaneously, with a maximum of two guests per room.
• New B&B operations must be at least 500 meters from existing B&B rentals.

2. Boarding and Lodging Business Licence

This licence applies to various property types, including single detached houses, duplexes, apartments, and townhouses. Requirements include:

• The operator must be the registered owner or a director of a corporate registered owner and reside in the home.
• A maximum of two guests are allowed at any one time.
• Written permission from the strata council and adherence to all strata bylaws are necessary in strata buildings.

Provincial Regulations

Under British Columbia’s Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act, effective May 1, 2025, all short-term rental hosts must:

• Register with the provincial short-term rental registry.
• Display a valid business licence number on all listings.
• Ensure the rental is their principal residence or a secondary suite on the same property.

Compliance and Enforcement

The City of Richmond actively enforces short-term rental regulations. In 2024, the number of bylaw tickets issued for short-term rental offences totalled 181 by April. Hosts must display their business licence number on listings, and failure to comply can result in fines.

Additional Considerations

• Strata Bylaws: Strata corporations can create bylaws to limit or ban short-term rentals. Fines for non-compliance can range from $1,000 to $1,000 per day.
• Registration Fees: Annual registration fees for short-term rentals range from $100 for hosts who live on the property to $450 for those who live elsewhere.

For more information on managing short-term rentals in Richmond, please visit the City of Richmond’s official website.

Explore our services for Airbnb Management Richmond for expert help managing your property and complying with local regulations. To get more information about other short-term rental regulations, you can visit Richmond’s official website or contact us.