New Housing Legislation, Rental, and Zoning Updates

The Canadian government aims to introduce more affordable housing by changing zoning rules in municipalities to allow for multi-unit housing options. The Province of British Columbia will soon introduce legislation to create more small-scale, multi-unit housing options.

Starting on May 1, 2024, the Province will enforce a provincial principal residence requirement in some areas of the province. This will limit short-term rentals to the host’s principal residence and one secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit on the same property.

In January 2025, the government will require municipalities to change their zoning rules to offer more affordable multi-unit housing options, such as townhomes, multiplexes, and laneway houses. The Province will introduce new legislation to provide more small-scale, multi-unit housing options for people and to fix outdated zoning rules. This will help build more homes faster.

The Province will make limited exemptions to certain properties, such as hotels, motels, timeshare properties, lodges, student accommodations, and strata guest suites. There will also be exemptions for certain communities, such as farmland, ski and resort regions, and Trust areas under the Islands Trust Act.

The crackdown on Airbnb rentals will be aimed at operators of multiple investment units, rather than homeowners who have a primary residence with a suite to rent out. The principal residence requirement will not take effect until May 1, 2024.

Residents of British Columbia will only be allowed to lease their primary residence plus one additional secondary suite for short-term rentals when new regulations are enacted. This includes rental listings on various online platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, Expedia, and FlipKey.

Province of British Columbia – New zoning, amenities, and tenant protections support people and create livable communities

Province of British Columbia – More small-scale, multi-unit homes coming to B.C., zoning barriers removed

City of Kelowna – Short-term rentals

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