Short-term rental agreements in British Columbia
Short-term rentals (STRs) have rapidly gained popularity in British Columbia, with platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, and HomeAway offering homeowners the ability to rent out their properties for brief periods of time. However, before entering into a short-term rental agreement in British Columbia, it is important to understand the legalities and regulations surrounding STRs.
First and foremost, it is important to check with your local government on whether STRs are allowed in your area. This is because certain municipalities in British Columbia have zoning bylaws that prohibit or restrict STRs. Additionally, as of July 2021, all STR operators in British Columbia are required to obtain a license and include their license number on any advertisements for their rental property.
In terms of contractual agreements, STRs can take on different forms. Some homeowners may opt for a simple agreement that outlines the rental period, amount paid, and other important terms. Others may choose to use a standardized form provided by their local government, such as the “Short-Term Rental Agreement” form provided by the City of Vancouver. This form includes clauses on insurance, security deposits, and noise restrictions, among others.
Regardless of the form the agreement takes, there are several key clauses that should be included. These include:
1. Rental period: The term of the rental, including the start and end dates.
2. Rental fee: The amount to be paid by the renter for the rental period, including any required deposits.
3. Cancellation policy: The policy for cancelling the rental, including any fees or refunds.
4. House rules: Any rules that the renter must abide by during the rental period, such as noise restrictions or no smoking policies.
5. Liability and insurance: Clauses outlining the homeowner`s liability and insurance requirements, as well as any responsibility the renter has for damages or injuries that occur during the rental period.
In summary, before entering into a short-term rental agreement in British Columbia, it is important to ensure that STRs are allowed in your area and that you obtain the appropriate license. Additionally, you should carefully review and include key clauses in your rental agreement to protect both the homeowner and renter.
