04/21/2026
KELOWNA SHORT TERM RENTAL CHANGES 👍
Short-Term Rental Policy Changes
We wanted to give you an update on some positive changes to Short-Term Rental regulations across the interior.
Provincial Opt-Out Requirements
After sustained advocacy from the Association and a number of other real estate and business groups, the provincial government has amended the opt-out timeline for municipalities to better align with the summer tourist season. This policy change is identical to what was proposed in our report "Unlocking Flexibility: Short-Term Rental (STR) Regulations in British Columbia's Interior".
Starting 2027, the province has amended the date for municipalities across the province that wish to opt-out of the legislation. The date for opt-out will be February 28th to take effect June 1 of that same year to align with the tourist season.
View our report -> https://www.interiorrealtors.ca/advocacy/
Read BC Gov News Release -> https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026HMA0045-000428
Kelowna Special Opt-Out Exemption
In addition to the broader change, the province has also granted the City of Kelowna a special exemption to opt-out of the short-term rental legislation early. This means the City of Kelowna will be allowing principal use short-term rentals as early as June 1, 2026.
Principal use short-term rentals will be allowed in “Short-Term Rental Major (Principal Use)” Sub Zones. Homes outside this sub zone will still be able to apply for short-term rental in their principal residence under a “Short-Term Rental Minor (Secondary Use)” license.
Read City of Kelowna Release -> https://www.kelowna.ca/business-services/permits-licences/short-term-rentals
RDCO Votes to Allow Short-Term Rentals in More Places
Lastly, the Regional District of the Central Okanagan will be allowing short-term rentals in both Joe Rich and Rural Electoral Areas East and West after voting to amend their bylaws on April 16th. The Association wrote into the public hearing to support these changes.
The proposal is for short-term rentals to be allowed in a full house, a room in a house, or a legal secondary suite within residential zones. They will also be allowed in a tourist cabin within commercial tourism zones. Only one licensed short-term rental will be allowed per property.
The changes are awaiting approval by the provincial government.
Read RDCO Proposal -> https://www.rdco.com/businesslicences/
As always, should you have any questions or concerns please reach out to Daniel Kreines, Government Relations & Policy Associate at [email protected] or Seth Scott, Director of Government Relations & Communications at [email protected]
