Oak Bay short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)

Can I rent out my home or a room on Airbnb in Oak Bay?

Oak Bay, British ColumbiaChecked against official textSources read 2026-11-06

How it works

Oak Bay allows short-term rentals under Zoning Bylaw No. 3531, section 4.19, in the host's principal residence, or in a legal secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit if the host lives on the same property. Only one rental per parcel is allowed, up to 60 overnight stays a calendar year, in a dwelling unit with a final building inspection. Oak Bay is on the Province's list of communities with a principal residence requirement, so the provincial rule applies too.

Steps

1. Gather the documents listed above and apply for the Short-Term Rental Business Licence ($100). Email biz@oakbay.ca with questions.
2. Register with the Provincial Short-Term Rental Registry.
3. Show your registration number on every online listing.
4. Renew each year. Licences run January 1 to December 31 under the Business Licence Bylaw.

Good to know

• House rules: post the host and an alternate contact in the unit; no sign; no noise, vibrations, smoke or electrical interference; no merchandise sold on the premises; smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to BC Building Code standard.
• Tenants need the owner's written consent. To rent a suite or accessory unit, the operator must be the registered owner. Strata properties must follow strata bylaws.
• A municipal ticket is $500 ($350 if paid within 30 days) for each zoning offence, such as more than one rental per parcel, renting where not allowed, or going over 60 nights. Running without a business licence is also $500 ($350 early).
• A court conviction can mean $100 to $10,000 for zoning offences, or $200 to $10,000 for business licence offences.