Listing Comox Houses for Rent on a Short-Term Basis

If you’re considering offering Comox houses for rent on a short-term basis, there are a few key rules and updates you should know. With last year’s changes to British Columbia’s rental laws, understanding the short-term rental market now requires a closer look at local zoning, provincial regulations, and available permits, especially here in the Comox Valley.

Understanding Short-Term Rentals in Comox

When it comes to listing Comox houses for rent on a short-term basis, the rules depend on where your property is located and how you plan to rent it. The Province’s Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act aims to protect the long-term housing supply, but it impacts Comox Valley’s electoral areas less than some might expect.

In most residential zones outside Mt. Washington and the Agricultural Land Reserve, short-term rentals are only allowed as bed and breakfasts. That means you must live on the property and offer rooms in your primary residence. You’ll also need to register your rental with the Province’s registry.

If you’d like to rent out your whole house, as a vacation rental listed on Airbnb or VRBO, your property will need to be zoned for tourist accommodation. Otherwise, you’ll need to apply for a Temporary Use Permit or request a zoning amendment. These applications involve public input and board review, and they can take several months. But, they open the door for homeowners wanting more flexibility.

At Mt. Washington, it’s a different story. Thanks to a zoning amendment passed in late 2024, properties in the Resort Community Plan Area can now offer short-term stays as a primary use. This is a big plus for owners looking to take advantage of ski season traffic.

List Comox Houses for Rent Today!

If you’re thinking about listing Comox houses for rent in the short term, start by checking your zoning and understanding the rules. Every situation is different, and the path forward depends on how and where you plan to host. As your local real estate agent, I can guide you through the process from finding the right property for short-term rentals to answering any questions! Contact me today to learn more!