Can I Rent Out My Strata Unit in BC? 2026 Rules Explained

Can I rent my condo in my Strata? We still get this question constantly, even though the law changed a few years ago. A lot of owners bought their unit under an old rental-restriction bylaw and simply never found out it stopped applying to them.

Here’s where things actually stand in 2026.

The short answer: yes, in almost every case

As of November 24, 2022, British Columbia’s Strata Property Act was amended to end long-term rental-restriction bylaws across the province. If your strata’s bylaws say you can’t rent out your unit, or limit the number of units that can be tenanted at once, that bylaw is no longer enforceable — regardless of what your strata’s paperwork still says on paper.

This applies to condos, townhomes, and detached homes on a bareland strata alike.

What stratas can still restrict

The rental-restriction ban isn’t unlimited. Two things stratas can still legally control:

1. Short-term rentals

Stratas can still pass and enforce bylaws limiting short-term rentals — think Airbnb-style stays. A common version of this is a minimum rental term, often 30 days–Stratas can enforce a limit of up to 90 days. If your strata has this kind of bylaw in place, it’s still valid. Long-term tenancies (the kind most landlords in Greater Vancouver are running) aren’t affected by this at all.

2. Age restrictions — but only 55+

Stratas can no longer set age restrictions below 55 (so no more “19+ buildings” or similar). A strata can still adopt or keep a 55-and-over bylaw, with a few built-in exemptions:

• Residents who already lived there before a 55+ bylaw was adopted
• Live-in caregivers
• As of May 2023, children and spouses/partners of an exempt resident, even if added after the bylaw passed

If you’re looking at a unit in a 55+ building specifically, this is worth confirming before you buy or rent, since it affects who can actually live there — not just who can own it.

What this means if you’re thinking of renting your unit out

1. Check your strata’s current bylaws for any short-term rental restrictions (e.g. minimum stay length) — these can still apply to you.
2. Ignore any bylaw that simply says “no rentals” or caps the number of rented units — those are no longer enforceable, full stop.
3. If your building has a 55+ bylaw, confirm how it affects your prospective tenant before you sign a lease.
4. When in doubt, ask your strata council or property manager directly, or reach out to us — this is exactly the kind of thing we help owners sort through before it becomes a problem.
5. Check that regardless of your Strata bylaws that your plans match with Municipal and Provincial short-term requirements.

FAQ

Do I need my strata’s permission to rent out my unit?
No. As long as you’re not violating a valid short-term rental bylaw, your strata cannot block you from renting out your unit long-term.

Can my strata charge me a fee for renting my unit?
No. Some stratas try to. If you run into this, it’s worth a conversation with us or a lawyer — this is a common area owners get pushback on.

What if my strata’s bylaws still say rentals aren’t allowed?
Outdated bylaws that conflict with the 2022 changes are unenforceable, even if the strata hasn’t formally updated its bylaw package yet.

The above information is not to be relied on as legal advice. If you require professional or legal advice for your personal circumstances, please reach out to us for a referral, or consult with us for property management services.