Airbnb-Friendly Buildings in Vancouver
Discover Vancouver condo buildings that allow short-term rentals. Our directory helps investors identify Airbnb-permitted buildings with strata bylaw details, neighbourhood info, and regulatory guidance.
Airbnb in Vancouver: Short-term rentals are legal in Vancouver only in your principal residence with a valid STR business licence. Not all condo buildings allow it — strata bylaws must permit short-term stays. This directory lists 25+ Vancouver buildings known to have strata bylaws that allow Airbnb and VRBO rentals.
Vancouver Airbnb-Permitted Buildings
Browse 25 buildings with strata bylaws that allow short-term rentals. Filter by neighbourhood to find investment opportunities in your preferred area.
Showing 25 buildings
21 Doors
370 Carrall Street
Boutique loft-style building. Bylaws allow short-term rentals. Only 21 units in this intimate Gastown heritage conversion.
Capitol Residences
833 Homer Street
Strata bylaws permit short-term rentals. Located in the heart of Yaletown with access to seawall, restaurants, and transit.
Central
1288 Howe Street
Modern downtown tower. Short-term rentals permitted in bylaws. Central location near BC Place and Rogers Arena.
Electra
989 Nelson Street
Converted heritage BC Hydro building. Strata bylaws permit short-term rentals with no minimum stay restriction. Popular with investors for Airbnb income.
Firenze
688 Abbott Street
Heritage-style building in Gastown. Short-term rentals allowed under current strata bylaws. Popular tourist area increases rental demand.
Fortune House
1010 Howe Street
Hotel-residential hybrid building. Short-term rentals permitted under strata bylaws. Building has hotel-style amenities including front desk.
Georgian Court
750 Jervis Street
West End building near Robson Street. Strata bylaws permit short-term rental operation. Walking distance to Stanley Park.
InGastown
150 E Cordova Street
Modern Gastown development. Strata bylaws permit short-term rental use. Near Waterfront Station and tourist attractions.
Lumiere
198 Aquarius Mews
Waterfront False Creek location. Short-term rentals allowed under strata rules. Near Olympic Village and seawall.
One Pacific
538 Smithe Street
Central downtown location. Bylaws permit short-term rentals. Excellent transit access and walkability score.
Parkview Tower
289 Drake Street
Located near George Wainborn Park. Strata allows short-term rental activity. Access to Yaletown shops and False Creek.
Patina
1028 Barclay Street
Modern building in the West End. Bylaws allow short-term rental use. Walking distance to English Bay and Robson Street shopping.
Residences on Georgia
1288 W Georgia Street
Hotel-residences tower. Short-term rentals integrated into building operations. Shangri-La branded management available for rental programs.
Space
1238 Seymour Street
Downtown location near Davie Village. Strata bylaws allow short-term rental use. Walkable to beaches and entertainment.
Spectrum
111 E 1st Avenue
Modern Olympic Village-adjacent building. Short-term rentals permitted under strata bylaws. Near Science World and False Creek seawall.
The Crane
256 E 2nd Avenue
Newer Mount Pleasant development. Strata bylaws do not restrict short-term rental use. Near Main Street shops and breweries.
The Erickson
1560 Homer Street
Arthur Erickson-designed building. Strata allows short-term rentals. Architectural landmark near the Roundhouse Community Centre.
The Gallery
1010 Richards Street
Yaletown high-rise. Bylaws do not restrict short-term rentals. Walking distance to seawall and Yaletown restaurants.
The Keefer
189 Keefer Street
Boutique development in Chinatown. Bylaws allow short-term rental use. Trendy area with growing tourist appeal.
The Mark
1372 Seymour Street
Modern boutique building. Strata permits short-term rentals. Well-located between Yaletown and Granville Entertainment District.
The Ritz
1028 Barclay Street
Luxury building near Stanley Park. Strata bylaws do not prohibit short-term rentals. Popular Airbnb location due to proximity to beach and park.
The Savoy
928 Richards Street
Strata bylaws allow short-term rentals. No minimum stay clause in the current bylaws. Close to entertainment district.
The Wall Centre
1050 Burrard Street
Large mixed-use complex with hotel and residential towers. Short-term rentals allowed in residential units. On-site hotel management available for rental programs.
Woodwards
108 W Cordova Street
Landmark Gastown redevelopment. Short-term rentals permitted in strata bylaws. Large mixed-use complex with retail and cultural spaces.
Yaletown Park
928 Homer Street
Established Yaletown building. Bylaws allow short-term rental use. Strong rental demand from tourists visiting the seawall area.
Disclaimer: Strata bylaws can change at any time via a 3/4 vote at a strata general meeting. Always verify the current bylaws and review recent strata council minutes before making a purchase decision. This directory is for informational purposes only.
Vancouver Short-Term Rental Regulations
The City of Vancouver has specific regulations governing short-term rentals (stays under 30 consecutive days). Understanding these rules is essential for any investor considering Airbnb-friendly properties.
Principal Residence Requirement
Vancouver only permits short-term rentals in your principal residence — the home where you live and sleep most of the year. This means you cannot purchase a separate investment condo solely for Airbnb use. However, you can rent out your primary home or a portion of it (such as a spare bedroom) while you live there, or rent the entire unit while you are temporarily away.
STR Business Licence Requirements
- • Obtain a Short-Term Rental Business Licence from the City of Vancouver
- • Display your licence number on all listing platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.)
- • Provide proof of principal residence (utility bills, ID, tax returns)
- • Licence fee is approximately $100/year (subject to change)
- • Operating without a licence: fines up to $1,000 per offence per day
Strata Bylaw Considerations
Even if the City of Vancouver permits short-term rentals, your strata corporation has the authority to restrict or ban them entirely. Under BC's Strata Property Act, a strata corporation can pass a bylaw restricting short-term rentals with a 3/4 vote at a general meeting. Key considerations include:
- • Review the strata bylaws before purchasing — look for rental restriction bylaws
- • Check recent AGM and SGM minutes for any proposed bylaw changes
- • Some buildings have minimum stay requirements (e.g., 30-day minimum) that effectively ban Airbnb
- • Bylaws can change at any time — a building that allows STRs today may not tomorrow
Insurance Requirements
Standard homeowner or strata unit insurance does not typically cover short-term rental activity. If you plan to operate an Airbnb, you need:
- • Commercial host insurance or a short-term rental endorsement on your existing policy
- • Liability coverage for guest injuries and property damage
- • Airbnb provides Host Protection Insurance up to $1M, but personal coverage is recommended
- • Notify your strata insurer — operating without disclosure could void your coverage
Tax Obligations
Airbnb hosts in Vancouver are subject to several taxes:
- • 8% PST (Provincial Sales Tax) — collected automatically by Airbnb
- • 3% MRDT (Municipal and Regional District Tax) — collected by Airbnb
- • 5% GST if your annual short-term rental revenue exceeds $30,000
- • Income tax — all rental income must be reported on your tax return
Investing in Airbnb-Friendly Buildings
Purchasing a condo in an Airbnb-friendly building can be a strategic investment, but it requires careful due diligence. Here are key factors to evaluate:
Location Matters Most
The most successful Airbnb properties in Vancouver are in areas popular with tourists and business travellers. Downtown, Yaletown, the West End, and Coal Harbour consistently see the highest demand. Proximity to transit, attractions, and the seawall drives occupancy rates.
Due Diligence Checklist
- 1. Review current strata bylaws for rental restrictions
- 2. Read recent AGM and council meeting minutes
- 3. Check the building's history of bylaw amendment votes
- 4. Verify the building's STR compliance track record
- 5. Calculate projected income vs. mortgage, strata fees, and expenses
- 6. Confirm insurance availability and cost for STR operations
- 7. Review the City of Vancouver STR licence requirements
Long-Term Rental as Backup
Smart investors always consider the long-term rental market as a backup plan. If strata bylaws change or short-term rental regulations tighten, you want a property that can still generate strong long-term rental income. Buildings in transit-accessible, walkable neighbourhoods tend to perform well in both short and long-term rental markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I legally Airbnb my condo in Vancouver?
Yes, but only if it is your principal residence and you have a valid City of Vancouver short-term rental business licence. Your strata corporation must also allow short-term rentals in its bylaws. You cannot Airbnb an investment property that is not your primary home.
What is the principal residence requirement for Airbnb in Vancouver?
Vancouver requires that short-term rental operators can only rent out their principal residence — the home where they live and sleep most of the year. You must provide proof of principal residence when applying for your STR business licence.
Do I need a licence to Airbnb in Vancouver?
Yes. You must obtain a Short-Term Rental Business Licence from the City of Vancouver. The licence number must be displayed on all listing platforms. Operating without a licence can result in fines of up to $1,000 per day.
Can a strata corporation ban Airbnb?
Yes. Strata corporations in BC can pass bylaws that restrict or prohibit short-term rentals with a 3/4 vote at a general meeting. Even if a building currently allows STRs, bylaws can change at any time. Always review the most recent strata minutes before purchasing.
How much can I earn from Airbnb in Vancouver?
Airbnb income in Vancouver varies significantly by location, unit size, and season. Downtown one-bedroom units typically earn $100–$200 per night, while two-bedroom units near popular areas like Yaletown or the West End can earn $150–$300+ per night during peak summer months.
What insurance do I need for short-term rentals?
Standard homeowner or condo insurance typically does not cover short-term rental activity. You need a commercial host or short-term rental insurance endorsement. Airbnb provides Host Protection Insurance up to $1M, but having your own policy is strongly recommended.
What taxes apply to Airbnb income in Vancouver?
Airbnb hosts must collect and remit 8% Provincial Sales Tax (PST), 3% Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT), and potentially 5% GST if annual revenue exceeds $30,000. Airbnb collects PST and MRDT automatically. All rental income must be reported on your tax return.
How do I check if a building allows Airbnb before buying?
Request the strata bylaws and review the most recent annual general meeting (AGM) minutes. Look for any rental restriction bylaws, minimum stay requirements, or short-term rental prohibitions. A real estate agent experienced with investment properties can help you interpret these documents.
Looking for Investment Properties in STR-Friendly Buildings?
Greyden Douglas and the Rain City Properties team can help you find the right Airbnb-friendly condo for your investment goals. With 20+ years of Vancouver real estate experience and 1000+ clients served, we know which buildings offer the best short-term rental potential.