Short-term rentals — Kent, British Columbia

Can I run an Airbnb here? Do I need a licence?

In the District Municipality of Kent, British Columbia, short-term rentals rules are set by Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw No. 1747, 2025 and 1 other bylaw, verified 2026-10-18. A licence is required. Zones allowed: where accommodation of paying guests for 28 days or less is a permitted use pursuant to the Zoning Bylaw.

Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw No. 1747, 2025 adopted bylaw

licence required	yes	operate a shortterm rental unless they hold a valid business licence
owner occupancy required	no	short-term commercial accommodation (non-principal residence) use
zones allowed	where accommodation of paying guests for 28 days or less is a permitted use pursuant to the Zoning Bylaw	s. 2.1 (Short-term Rental Property)

scout note

Business licensing bylaw with short-term commercial accommodation (guest unit / principal residence / non-principal) licence provisions; STR operators must hold a licence.

Zoning Bylaw No. 1219, 2001 (consolidated June 20, 2024) - s.7.13 Short-term Rentals adopted bylaw

licence required	yes	s. 7.13.1(a)
owner occupancy required	yes	occupied as a principal residence
zones allowed	A, A1, RR1, RR2, RR3, and RL zones	Part 9.1.1, 9.1.2, 9.2.1, 9.2.2, 9.2.3, 9.3.1

scout note

Defines STR uses (28 days or less) and s.7.13 conditions: guest unit and principal residence categories, parking, one STR per lot, no STR in accessory dwelling unit on some lots.

Short Term Rentals (District of Kent web page)

Rules summary: principal residence rental up to 28 days; guest unit max 6 occupants, principal residence max 10; business licence application; provincial registration.

Machine-readable: short-term-rentals.json · Official website: https://www.kentbc.ca/ · Last verified 2026-10-18 · Short-term rentals across British Columbia · Short-term rentals in other municipalities