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Building & Infrastructure
Home » Building & Infrastructure » Building & Construction » Short-Term Rentals
# Short-Term Rentals
Short-Term Rentals (STR) allow homeowners the ability to rent an accommodation for overnight stays inside a dwelling unit in their principal residence. As of March 2026, zoning and business licence bylaw changes were adopted, establishing regulations to permit short-term rentals in the District of Oak Bay.
#### The first step in applying to host a Short-Term Rental in Oak Bay is to ensure your property meets the eligibility criteria, along with Provincial and Municipal Requirements.
## Short-Term Rental Eligibility
#### One per Property
Only one short-term rental is permitted on a parcel of land.
#### Principal Residence
The STR must, in most cases, be operated in the host's principal residence.
#### Dwelling Unit
Must operate in a principle dwelling unit, legal secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit. Must be built under an approved building permit, having received a final inspection.
#### Secondary Suite
An STR may operate in a legal secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit, if the host's principal residence is on the same property.
#### Maximum Nights
An STR can be rented for a maximum of 60 overnight stays per calendar yer
### Provincial Requirements
Short-term rental operators in B.C. are required to register with the Provincial Short-Term Rental Registry and display registration with online listings.
Provincial Registry
### Oak Bay Requirements
Operators within the District of Oak Bay must comply with municipal bylaws and licensing requirements. This includes obtaining a business license.
Short-Term Rental Business Licence
## Oak Bay Short-Term Rental Business Licence
Hosts will need to submit a Short-Term Rental Business Licence Application, along with supporting documentation, to meet District requirements. This includes:
* Proof you (the operator) reside at the property as your principal residence
* Confirmation you're the registered owner of the dwelling unit
* A digital fire safety and evacuation floor plan
* Contact information for the host
* A $100 fee
Interested in becoming a host? Complete a Short-Term Rental Business Licence Application below.
Short Term Rental Business Licence Application Package
### Questions?
If you have any questions on the process, please reach out to the email below.
* [email protected]
## Background
March 2026
On March 9, Oak Bay Council adopted Zoning Bylaw Amendment No. 4922, establishing regulations that permit and govern Short-Term Rentals within the District of Oak Bay. The program has been set up to align the District's limited options for short-term rentals with the provincial approval.
Anyone operating a Short-Term Rental in Oak Bay must obtain a Short-Term Rental Business Licence and comply with the applicable Zoning and Business Licence Bylaws.
May 2025
As of May 1, Short-Term Rental operators in British Columbia were required to register with the Provincial Short-Term Rental Registry. The provincial registration number must be displayed on online listings and may be required by booking platforms.