---
title: Qualicum Beach short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)
question: "Can I rent out my home or a room on Airbnb in Qualicum Beach?"
place: Qualicum Beach, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/qualicum-beach
category: Housing and renting
owner: shared
sources_read: 2026-11-06
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/short-term-rental/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/short-term-rental.json"
---

# Qualicum Beach short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)

**Question:** Can I rent out my home or a room on Airbnb in Qualicum Beach?

**Short answer:** Mostly not. Qualicum Beach zoning does not allow short-term rentals (under 30 consecutive days) in residential areas, except licensed Bed and Breakfasts where the owner lives. They are allowed in some resort-condominium zones. A Town licence and Provincial registration are also required.

**Who handles it:** More than one level of government  
**Cost:** No short-term rental fee is stated. Business licence fees are in Business Licensing Bylaw No. 506, Schedule A (see business-licence).  
**How long:** Not stated.  
**Where:**
- Online: Short-Term Rental Accommodations, Town of Qualicum Beach, https://qualicumbeach.com/building-development/provincial-housing-changes/short-term-rental-accommodations/
- Online: Bed & Breakfast Licence, https://qualicumbeach.com/town-services/licenses/bed-breakfast-licence/
- Phone: Town Hall, 250-752-6921

## Key facts

- **Allowed:** Not in residential zones. Zoning does not permit short-term vacation rentals (under 30 consecutive days) in residential areas, except Bed and Breakfasts. A whole house, secondary suite, garden suite or carriage house cannot be rented short term. They are allowed in zones where Resort Condominium is a permitted use (C2, C6, C8, C9 and CD1) if the applicant confirms compliance with Provincial rules.
  - Source: [Short-Term Rental Accommodations](https://qualicumbeach.com/building-development/provincial-housing-changes/short-term-rental-accommodations/)
  - Official wording: "The Town’s zoning regulations do not permit STVRs in residential areas, except for those designated as Bed and Breakfasts." … "Prohibited STVRs would include the rental of an entire house, secondary suite, garden suite, or carriage house." … "The Town allows STVRs in zones where Resort Condominium is a permitted use." … "(C2, C6, C8, C9, and CD1)"
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2024 (Combined Version), Part 2, definition](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Zoning%20Bylaw%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20900%2C%202024/Zoning%20Bylaw%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20900%2C%202024%20(Combined%20Version%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "short-term vacation rental means the temporary rental (less than 30 consecutive days) of a"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Business licence:** Yes. A Town business licence is required (a Bed and Breakfast licence is applied for each year). In resort-condominium zones the Town may issue an STVR business licence once the applicant confirms in writing that they meet Provincial requirements. No STVR-specific fee is stated.
  - Source: [Short-Term Rental Accommodations, FAQ](https://qualicumbeach.com/building-development/provincial-housing-changes/short-term-rental-accommodations/)
  - Official wording: "An application for a valid business license is required." … "Subject to the applicant’s written confirmation that they comply with Provincial requirements"
  - Source: [Bed & Breakfast Licence, Preparing for Your Application](https://qualicumbeach.com/town-services/licenses/bed-breakfast-licence/)
  - Official wording: "Bed and Breakfast licences must be applied for each year"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Provincial registration:** Qualicum Beach is on the Province's list of communities where the principal residence requirement applies (as of June 1, 2026). Provincial registration is required for rentals under 90 consecutive days, whether or not a local licence is required; registration is per unit.
  - Source: [Short-term rentals, principal residence requirement, Province of BC, List of communities where the principal residence requirement applies](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/principal-residence-requirement)
  - Official wording: "Prince Rupert Qualicum Beach Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen Electoral Area D" … "(as of June 1, 2026)" … "Provincial registration requirements apply to short-term rentals offered for fewer than 90 consecutive days" … "Each short-term rental unit requires its own registration number."
  - Source: [Short-Term Rental Accommodations, FAQ](https://qualicumbeach.com/building-development/provincial-housing-changes/short-term-rental-accommodations/)
  - Official wording: "it is the responsibility of the applicant to confirm compliance with all Provincial Regulations, including the Principal Resident Requirement."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Operating rules:** Short-term rentals of 30 days or less are limited to Bed and Breakfasts (owner lives in the dwelling; breakfast only before noon; at most one non-resident employee; room and guest limits by lot size; an ancillary dwelling unit cannot be part of the B&B) and to resort-condominium zones. A B&B needs a declaration, a Fire Department inspection and proof of primary residence.
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2024 (Combined Version), s. 3.3 item 20](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Zoning%20Bylaw%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20900%2C%202024/Zoning%20Bylaw%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20900%2C%202024%20(Combined%20Version%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "the owner of the Bed and Breakfast business must reside in the dwelling" … "a maximum of one non-resident may be employed in the Bed and" … "breakfast is served before noon;" … "Less than 1400m2 2 4"
  - Source: [Bed & Breakfast Licence, Preparing for Your Application](https://qualicumbeach.com/town-services/licenses/bed-breakfast-licence/)
  - Official wording: "Make a Bed and Breakfast declaration (attached to the application)." … "Submit a Fire Department inspection application and fee." … "Provide proof of Primary Residence."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fine:** Municipal ticket: $200 for operating without a business licence and $100 for violating the Zoning Bylaw (the same in each zone). Tickets can be issued for each day the offence continues.
  - Source: [Short-Term Rental Accommodations, What are the Fines for Non-Compliance?](https://qualicumbeach.com/building-development/provincial-housing-changes/short-term-rental-accommodations/)
  - Official wording: "The fine for failure to obtain a valid Business License in the Town of Qualicum Beach is $200.00 as per the Municipal Ticket Information Utilization Bylaw No. 626, 2008." … "The fine for failure to comply with zoning regulations in the Town of Qualicum Beach is $100.00" … "Tickets can be issued daily for each offense."
  - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Utilization Bylaw No. 626, Schedule 4 s. 2; Schedule 7; s. 2(4)(a)](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Municipal%20Ticket%20Information%20Utilization%20Bylaw%20No.%20626%20(Consolidated%20up%20to%20Bylaw%20No.%20626.07%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "No Business Licence 2 $200.00" … "Permit or Cause Violation of Bylaw 1.2, 3.4.111 $100.00" … "may be imposed for each day that the offence continues."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Bylaw:** Town of Qualicum Beach Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2024; Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw No. 506; Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 626, 2008
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2024 (Combined Version), title](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Zoning%20Bylaw%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20900%2C%202024/Zoning%20Bylaw%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20900%2C%202024%20(Combined%20Version%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Town of Qualicum Beach Zoning Bylaw No. 900,"
  - Source: [Short-Term Rental Accommodations, FAQ](https://qualicumbeach.com/building-development/provincial-housing-changes/short-term-rental-accommodations/)
  - Official wording: "Municipal Ticket Information Utilization Bylaw No. 626, 2008"
  - Source: [Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw No. 506, title](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Business%20Licensing%20and%20Regulation%20Bylaw%20No%2E%20506%2E07%20%28Consolidated%20to%20Bylaw%20No%2E%20506%2E09%2C%202003%29%2Epdf)
  - Official wording: "Bylaw Bylaw No. 506.07- No. 506.07 - Business Licencing Licencing and and Regulation Regulation Bylaw Bylaw"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06

## How it works

Qualicum Beach's [Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2024](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Zoning%20Bylaw%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20900%2C%202024/Zoning%20Bylaw%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20900%2C%202024%20(Combined%20Version).pdf) does not permit short-term vacation rentals (under 30 consecutive days) in residential areas, except Bed and Breakfasts. A whole house, secondary suite, garden suite or carriage house cannot be rented short term. They are allowed in zones where Resort Condominium is a permitted use (C2, C6, C8, C9 and CD1) if the applicant confirms compliance with Provincial rules.

**Bed and Breakfast rules:** the owner lives in the dwelling; breakfast is served only before noon; at most one non-resident employee; an ancillary dwelling unit cannot be part of the B&B. Limits: 2 rooms and 4 guests on lots under 1400 m²; 3 rooms and 6 guests at 1400 to 1800 m²; 4 rooms and 8 guests over 1800 m². A B&B needs a declaration, a Fire Department inspection and proof of primary residence.

**Licences:** a Town business licence is required (a B&B licence is applied for each year). In resort-condominium zones the Town may issue a short-term rental licence once you confirm in writing that you meet Provincial requirements.

**Province:** Qualicum Beach is on the Province's list of communities where the principal residence requirement applies. Provincial registration is required for rentals under 90 consecutive days, per unit, whether or not a local licence is required.

## Steps

1. Check your zone (see zoning-lookup).
2. If you are in a resort-condominium zone or running a B&B, apply for the Town business licence.
3. Register with the Province.

## Good to know

- Fines: a municipal ticket is $200 for operating without a business licence and $100 for violating the Zoning Bylaw. Tickets can be issued for each day the offence continues.
- The Town's page cites an old land use bylaw for the $100 fine; the current rules are in the Zoning Bylaw.
- The Town plans to review short-term rental policy in 2027.

## Official forms and pages

- [Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2024 (PDF)](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Zoning%20Bylaw%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20900%2C%202024/Zoning%20Bylaw%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20900%2C%202024%20(Combined%20Version%29.pdf)
- [Provincial principal residence requirement](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/principal-residence-requirement)

## Related questions

- [Qualicum Beach business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/business-licence.md)
- [Qualicum Beach home-based business rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/home-based-business.md)
- [Qualicum Beach secondary suite and carriage house rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/secondary-suite.md)
- [Qualicum Beach bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/bylaw-fines.md)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Short-term rental rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/short-term-rental.md)
- [Parksville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/parksville/short-term-rental.md)
- [Lantzville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lantzville/short-term-rental.md)
- [Port Alberni](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/short-term-rental.md)
- [Nanaimo](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/nanaimo/short-term-rental.md)
- [Sechelt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sechelt/short-term-rental.md)
- [Comox](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/short-term-rental.md)

## Sources

- [Short-Term Rental Accommodations, Town of Qualicum Beach](https://qualicumbeach.com/building-development/provincial-housing-changes/short-term-rental-accommodations/) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Bed & Breakfast Licence, Town of Qualicum Beach](https://qualicumbeach.com/town-services/licenses/bed-breakfast-licence/) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2024 (Combined Version) (PDF), Town of Qualicum Beach](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Zoning%20Bylaw%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20900%2C%202024/Zoning%20Bylaw%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20900%2C%202024%20(Combined%20Version%29.pdf) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw No. 506 (PDF), Town of Qualicum Beach](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Business%20Licensing%20and%20Regulation%20Bylaw%20No%2E%20506%2E07%20%28Consolidated%20to%20Bylaw%20No%2E%20506%2E09%2C%202003%29%2Epdf) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Municipal Ticket Information Utilization Bylaw No. 626 (PDF), Town of Qualicum Beach](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Municipal%20Ticket%20Information%20Utilization%20Bylaw%20No.%20626%20(Consolidated%20up%20to%20Bylaw%20No.%20626.07%29.pdf) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Short-term rentals, principal residence requirement, Province of BC](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/principal-residence-requirement) (read 2026-11-06)

_Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with any government. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/short-term-rental/_