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Why Vancouver requires a separate STR licence

The City of Vancouver has operated its own short-term rental licensing framework since 2018. The City's STR bylaw requires operators to obtain a business licence before listing a property on any short-term rental platform. The municipal licence exists alongside, and independently of, the provincial STR registration under the SRTAA. Both are required before operating legally in Vancouver.

Vancouver's STR framework has been updated several times since its introduction. Operators should verify current requirements directly with the City, as rules and fee amounts change.

Who is eligible for a Vancouver STR licence

To be eligible for a Vancouver STR business licence, the operator must:

  • Be the registered owner of the property, or a tenant with permission from the owner
  • Occupy the property as their principal residence: the same requirement as the provincial SRTAA
  • Operate in a property type and zone that permits short-term rental use under Vancouver's zoning bylaw

The operator must be the principal resident of the property. An owner who does not live at the property cannot obtain a Vancouver STR licence for that property. A tenant who lives at the property as their primary home and has the landlord's written permission may be eligible: confirm the specific current rules with the City.

What types of units can be licensed

Vancouver's STR bylaw permits short-term rental in:

  • The principal residence itself (renting a portion of your home or the entire home while you are temporarily away)
  • A secondary suite or laneway home on the same property as your principal residence

Only one STR licence is issued per property in Vancouver. If a property has both a main house and a laneway home, only one unit may hold a licence at a time.

For the eligibility issues specific to secondary suites and laneway homes, see: Vancouver secondary suites and laneway homes: the STR residency trap.

The application process

Applying for a Vancouver STR business licence involves:

  • Submitting an application through the City of Vancouver's online portal
  • Providing documentation of your identity, property ownership, and principal residence status
  • Providing your provincial STR registration number (required as part of the application)
  • Paying the applicable licence fee
  • In some cases, a property inspection may be required

The City reviews applications and may request additional information before issuing a licence. Processing times can vary. Operators should apply well in advance of their intended start date and should not begin listing or accepting bookings until a valid licence number has been issued.

Licence fees

The City of Vancouver charges a fee for STR business licences. Fee amounts are set by the City and are subject to change. Verify the current fee schedule directly with the City of Vancouver before applying: do not rely on figures from third-party sources.

Note on fees: Current licence fee amounts are not published in this article because they are updated by the City and the official City website is the authoritative source. Use the link in the Sources section below to confirm current fees.

Displaying your licence number

Once you receive your Vancouver STR business licence, you must display the licence number on all listings for the property: on Airbnb, VRBO, and any other platform. Platforms operating in Vancouver are required to enforce this, and listings without a valid licence number can be removed.

Your listing should display both your provincial STR registration number and your Vancouver business licence number.

Renewals and ongoing compliance

Vancouver STR business licences must be renewed annually. Allowing a licence to expire is a compliance violation. Operators should:

  • Track the annual renewal date and set a reminder well in advance
  • Review any changes to the renewal process or requirements each year
  • Update contact information and property details if anything has changed
  • Renew before the expiry date: do not wait until after the licence has lapsed

Emergency contact requirements

Vancouver's STR bylaw requires operators to provide an emergency contact number that is reachable 24 hours a day, seven days a week during any period when guests are staying. This number must be capable of responding to issues: not just receiving messages. The emergency contact information must be kept current with the City and must be accessible to neighbours and guests.

Official Sources

Information in this article reflects publicly available guidance as of May 2026. Verify current fees, requirements, and application procedures with the City of Vancouver before applying.

This article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Vancouver STR licensing requirements, fees, and procedures change over time. Verify all current requirements with the City of Vancouver and consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.