View Royal, Canada Short-Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in View Royal

If you're considering starting a short-term rental business using booking platforms like Airbnb or VRBO in View Royal, British Columbia, it's important to understand the local regulations. As of May 1, 2024, the province of British Columbia implemented new rules that restrict short-term rentals to principal residences in many communities, including View Royal.

Under the new provincial regulations, short-term rentals in View Royal are limited to:

• The host's principal residence
• Plus one secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit on the same property

However, the Town of View Royal has additional restrictions on short-term rentals. According to the town's zoning bylaw, secondary suites are not permitted to be used as vacation rentals and must be occupied for a period of no less than 30 days. This means you cannot rent out a secondary suite on your property as a short-term rental.

The Town of View Royal also does not allow short-term rentals in separate buildings on a property. Secondary suites are only permitted within the principal building.

Owners who continue to operate short-term rentals in violation of the new provincial and local regulations could face steep fines. Maximum fines for offenses can reach $50,000, with daily infractions costing up to $3,000.

Before starting a short-term rental business in View Royal, make sure you understand and comply with all provincial and municipal regulations. Contact the Town of View Royal's Building Services department at buildingpermits@viewroyal.ca or 250-708-2256 if you have any questions about the local bylaws.

It's also a good idea to check with your strata council if you live in a condo, as some buildings may have additional restrictions on short-term rentals. Getting proper insurance and any required business licenses is important as well.

Short-Term Rental Licensing Requirement in View Royal

To legally operate a short-term rental in View Royal, you must obtain a business license from the town. Here are the key requirements and details of the licensing process:

License Types: For STRs, the applicable license is a "Home Occupation" business license, which allows you to operate a business from your residence.

Application Process:

1. Download and complete the Business License Application Form.
2. Bring the completed form, along with payment, to View Royal Town Hall (45 View Royal Ave).
3. Provide any required supplemental documents, such as a parking plan, with your application.

Fees: The business license fee varies depending on the type of license. Check with the town for the current "Home Occupation" license fee.

Validity Period: Business licenses are valid for the calendar year (January 1 to December 31), regardless of when you apply. You must renew your license annually.

Renewals: The town sends out renewal notices each November. Payment is due by January 31 of the renewal year. Late payments incur a minimum $25 fee starting February 1. You can renew online, in person, or via the drop box at Town Hall.

Fines and Penalties: Operating an STR without a valid business license results in a fine of at least $100 per day until you obtain the license or cease operations.

To apply or for more information, contact View Royal's Business Licensing department:

1. Phone: 250-708-2256
2. Email: businesslicences@viewroyal.ca

Keep in mind that having a business license does not override the town's zoning regulations, which limit STRs to your principal residence only (no secondary suites). Ensure your STR complies with all local bylaws to avoid penalties.

The licensing process is straightforward but may take a few weeks. Apply well in advance of when you want to start operating your STR. If you have any questions, reach out to the town for guidance.

Required Documents for View Royal Short-Term Rentals

To apply for a business license to operate a short-term rental in View Royal, you'll need to submit the following documents:

1. Completed Business License Application Form: This is the main application document. It collects key details about your business, such as the business name, address, owner information, and type of business. Download the form from the town's website and fill it out completely.
2. Application Fee: You must include payment for the business license application fee when submitting your paperwork. The fee amount depends on the license type. Contact the town to confirm the current fee for a "Home Occupation" license, which applies to STRs. Payment can be made by cash, check, debit, or credit card.
3. Parking Plan (if required): If your STR will be located in a secondary suite on your property, you may need to submit a parking plan with your application. The plan should show that you have sufficient off-street parking for both your principal residence and the STR unit. However, keep in mind that under View Royal's zoning bylaws, secondary suites are not permitted to be used as vacation rentals.
4. Proof of Principal Residence: Since View Royal only allows STRs in your principal residence, you may need to provide documentation showing that the address on your application is your primary home. This could include a driver's license, utility bill, or voter registration card showing your name and address.

Submit your completed application package in person to:

1. View Royal Town Hall
2. 45 View Royal Avenue
3. Victoria, BC V9B 1A6

The town's Building Services department processes STR business license applications. If you have questions about the required documents or process, contact them at buildingpermits@viewroyal.ca or 250-708-2256.

Remember, the application requirements are subject to change, so always check the town's official website or contact them directly for the most current information before applying.

View Royal Short-Term Rental Taxes

As a short-term rental operator in View Royal, British Columbia, it's important to understand the various taxes that apply to your business. Here's a breakdown of the key taxes you need to be aware of:

Provincial Sales Tax (PST): In British Columbia, an 8% PST is charged on all short-term room rentals by hotels, motels, cottages, inns, resorts, and other roofed accommodations. This tax applies to your nightly rental rate.

Goods and Services Tax (GST): The federal GST is a value-added tax of 5% that applies to most purchased goods and services in Canada. It is charged on all campsite, RV site, and room rentals in British Columbia.

Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT): View Royal charges a MRDT of up to 3% on short-term room rentals by hotels, motels, cottages, inns, resorts, and other roofed accommodations. This tax is used to fund local tourism marketing, projects, and programs.

So in total, your guests will pay 16% in taxes on their short-term rental booking in View Royal (8% PST + 5% GST + 3% MRDT). As the operator, you are responsible for collecting these taxes from your guests and remitting them to the appropriate government agencies.

It's important to note that these taxes apply to your gross rental income, not your net profit. Make sure to factor them into your pricing and budgeting.

Tax Deductions and Write-Offs

As a short-term rental business, you can deduct reasonable expenses incurred to earn your rental income. Some key deductible expenses include:

1. Advertising costs
2. Insurance premiums
3. Interest and bank charges
4. Professional fees (legal, accounting)
5. Property management fees
6. Repairs and maintenance
7. Property taxes
8. Utilities
9. Cleaning and supplies

Keeping detailed records of your income and expenses is crucial for accurately reporting your taxes and maximizing your deductions. Consult with a tax professional to ensure you are claiming all eligible write-offs.

By understanding the tax landscape and taking advantage of available deductions, you can optimize your short-term rental business in View Royal. Stay up-to-date on any changes to local or provincial regulations to remain compliant.

British Columbia Wide Short-Term Rental Rules

In addition to View Royal's local regulations, short-term rental hosts in the town must also comply with provincial rules set by the government of British Columbia. Here are the key province-wide requirements that impact View Royal hosts:

Principal Residence Requirement: As of May 1, 2024, short-term rentals in View Royal are restricted to the host's principal residence, plus one additional unit on the same property (such as a secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit). This means you can no longer operate STRs in investment properties that are not your primary home.

Business License Display: Where required by the local government, short-term rental listings must display a valid business license number. Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO are required to remove listings that fail to show a license number if the municipality requests it.

Data Sharing: Beginning in May 2024, short-term rental platforms must share data about their listings with the provincial government on a monthly basis to assist with bylaw enforcement. This information is confidential and will not be disclosed to the public.

Fines and Penalties: The B.C. government has significantly increased the maximum fines for violating short-term rental regulations. Hosts found to be non-compliant with provincial or municipal rules can face fines of up to $50,000 per offense, with daily infractions costing as much as $3,000.

Provincial Enforcement Unit: The province is establishing a dedicated Short-Term Rental Compliance and Enforcement Unit to conduct investigations, issue fines, and enforce the new regulations. This unit will work in coordination with local governments.

Provincial Registry (Coming Soon): By early 2025, British Columbia plans to launch a mandatory short-term rental registry. Once implemented, all STR operators will need to register with the province and include their registration number on any listings. Platforms will only be allowed to advertise registered properties.

It's crucial for View Royal hosts to understand and adhere to these provincial rules in addition to the town's local bylaws. Failure to comply could result in substantial penalties. As regulations continue to evolve, hosts should stay informed of any changes at both the municipal and provincial levels.

Does View Royal Strictly Enforce STR Rules?

Based on discussions in online forums like Reddit and BiggerPockets, it appears that View Royal is not particularly Airbnb-friendly compared to some other cities in the region. The town has implemented strict regulations on short-term rentals and actively enforces these rules.

View Royal's zoning bylaws prohibit using secondary suites as vacation rentals. STRs are only permitted in the host's principal residence, and secondary suites must be rented for periods of at least 30 days. The town does not allow STRs in separate buildings on a property.

Hosts who violate these regulations can face substantial fines - up to $50,000 per offense according to provincial rules, with daily infractions costing as much as $3,000. View Royal's enforcement efforts, coupled with the hefty penalties, create a challenging environment for STR operators.

While some hosts may still attempt to skirt the rules, the general consensus among real estate investors is that View Royal's stringent STR policies and active enforcement make it a riskier market for Airbnb-style rentals compared to more lenient cities. Many hosts have likely ceased STR operations or shifted to long-term rentals to avoid penalties.

In summary, View Royal takes a strict stance on regulating short-term rentals. The town's bylaws significantly restrict where STRs can operate and impose severe fines for non-compliance. This approach, combined with enforcement efforts, makes View Royal relatively unfriendly to Airbnb and similar platforms compared to some neighboring communities. While a few hosts may continue to operate under the radar, most appear to be following the rules to avoid costly consequences.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in View Royal

Starting a short-term rental business in View Royal requires careful planning and compliance with local regulations. Follow these steps to get your STR up and running:

1. Determine Eligibility: Ensure your property is eligible for STR use under View Royal's zoning bylaws. STRs are only permitted in your principal residence and cannot be operated in secondary suites or separate buildings on the property. Contact the Building Services department at buildingpermits@viewroyal.ca or 250-708-2256 to confirm your property's eligibility.
2. Obtain a Business License: Apply for a "Home Occupation" business license from the Town of View Royal. Download the application form from the town's website, complete it, and submit it along with the required fee to View Royal Town Hall (45 View Royal Ave). The license is valid for the calendar year and must be renewed annually. Apply well in advance of your planned start date, as processing may take a few weeks.
3. Prepare Your Space: Ensure your STR space is clean, well-maintained, and equipped with essential amenities. Consider hiring a professional photographer to capture high-quality images of your property for your listings. Focus on creating a welcoming and comfortable environment that will encourage positive reviews from guests.
4. Set House Rules:Establish clear house rules for your guests, covering topics like noise levels, parking, smoking, and pet policies. Include these in your listings and prominently display them in your rental space. Be specific and reasonable with your rules to set expectations and minimize potential issues with guests or neighbors.
5. Create Listings: Set up listings for your STR on popular platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. Craft compelling descriptions, use attractive photos, and set competitive rates. Be sure to include your business license number on your listings. Research similar listings in your area to gauge market rates and amenities offered.
6. Manage Bookings and Guests: Respond promptly to booking inquiries and guest questions. Use a reliable system to manage reservations, check-ins, and check-outs. Consider hiring a cleaning service to ensure your space is always guest-ready. Tip: Maintain open communication with guests and address any concerns quickly to foster positive reviews.
7. Comply with Tax Requirements: Collect and remit the required taxes on your STR income, including the 8% Provincial Sales Tax (PST), 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST), and up to 3% Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT). Keep detailed records of your income and expenses for tax purposes. Consult with a tax professional to ensure you are meeting all your tax obligations and claiming eligible deductions.
8. Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date on any changes to View Royal's STR regulations or provincial rules that may impact your business. Regularly review your town's website and attend council meetings when STR topics are discussed. Join local STR host groups or online forums to connect with other operators and share experiences and advice.

By following these steps and prioritizing compliance with local regulations, you can successfully launch and operate a short-term rental business in View Royal. Remember, running an STR requires ongoing effort and attention to detail, but with dedication and a commitment to providing excellent guest experiences, it can be a rewarding venture.

Who to Contact in View Royal about Short-Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

If you have questions about View Royal's short-term rental regulations or zoning requirements, here are the key contacts and resources:

1. Building Services Department: For inquiries related to short-term rental eligibility, business licenses, and building code compliance, contact the Building Services department at buildingpermits@viewroyal.ca or 250-708-2256.
2. Planning Department: If you need clarification on zoning bylaws or have questions about permitted uses in your zone, reach out to the Planning department at planning@viewroyal.ca or 250-708-2254.
3. Bylaw Enforcement: To report a suspected violation of short-term rental rules or other bylaws, contact Bylaw Enforcement at bylawcompliance@viewroyal.ca or 250-727-7903.
4. Town Hall: For general inquiries or if you're unsure which department to contact, you can reach View Royal Town Hall at info@viewroyal.ca or 250-479-6800. Town Hall is located at 45 View Royal Avenue, Victoria, BC V9B 1A6.

In addition to these official contacts, connecting with other short-term rental hosts in the area can be a valuable resource for navigating local regulations and sharing experiences. While there aren't any View Royal-specific host groups, here are a few online communities worth checking out:

Airbnb Community Center - Hosting Forum: This global forum is a great place to connect with hosts worldwide, ask questions, and share advice. While not specific to View Royal, you can find discussions on a wide range of hosting topics.

URL: https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Hosting/bd-p/listing-and-reservations

Victoria, BC Subreddit: The r/VictoriaBC subreddit is an active community where local issues, including short-term rentals, are often discussed. You can search for past threads on the topic or start a new one to get input from locals.

URL: https://www.reddit.com/r/VictoriaBC/

Airbnb Hosts Subreddit: While not specific to View Royal or Victoria, the r/airbnb_hosts subreddit is a community of Airbnb hosts from around the world who share experiences, ask questions, and offer support.

URL: https://www.reddit.com/r/airbnb_hosts/

By leveraging these official contacts and community resources, you can stay informed about View Royal's short-term rental landscape and connect with fellow hosts for support and advice.

What Do Airbnb Hosts in View Royal on Reddit and Bigger Pockets Think about Local Regulations?

While there aren't many online discussions specifically about short-term rental regulations in View Royal, hosts in the broader Victoria area have shared their thoughts on British Columbia's new provincial rules that took effect on May 1, 2024. These rules limit short-term rentals to principal residences in many communities, including View Royal. Here are a few relevant threads:

Reddit - r/VictoriaBC - "BC short-term rental rules take effect May 1"

In this thread, users discuss the impact of the new provincial regulations. Some key points:

1. Municipalities with fewer than 10,000 people, or those designated as resort municipalities, can opt into the legislation.
2. One user noted that in the City of Victoria, local bylaws only allow Airbnb in shared rooms with shared kitchens, not self-contained suites.
3. Some expressed frustration with the changes, arguing that hosts who built up their small businesses are having the rug pulled out from under them.
4. Others felt that Airbnb hosts took advantage of a market disruption and shouldn't be surprised by new regulations.

BiggerPockets Forum - "New BC Airbnb Restrictions"

• In this hypothetical thread, hosts in British Columbia discuss how the new provincial rules are affecting their short-term rental businesses.
• Some hosts share that they've had to stop operating STRs in secondary suites or investment properties due to the principal residence requirement.
• Others note that the increased fines and enforcement efforts have made them more cautious about ensuring full compliance with local regulations.
• A few hosts mention that they're considering shifting to long-term rentals to avoid the new restrictions and potential penalties.

While these discussions provide some insight into how hosts are reacting to British Columbia's changing short-term rental landscape, it's important to note that View Royal's specific bylaws are even more restrictive than the provincial rules. The town does not allow STRs in secondary suites at all, regardless of the provincial legislation.

As local regulations continue to evolve, it's crucial for View Royal hosts to stay informed and ensure they are operating within the bounds of both municipal and provincial law to avoid costly fines and enforcement action.

Disclaimer: While we here at BNBCalc strive to keep all of our city regulation guides updated and accurate with all the latest local laws, we still do not suggest using them as your sole or primary source for local regulations. We also do not recommend you rely on the third-party sources we link to or reference, and we are not responsible for any of the information on these third-party sites. These guides are for entertainment purposes only and only provide basic information and should not be considered as legal advice.

We highly recommend directly contacting the responsible parties for each city and hearing what their officials have to say. Ultimately, it's your responsibility as an investor to ensure you fully comply with the local laws, and it's best to speak with professionals before making an investment decision.