Can You Rent Out Your Vancouver Home While You Travel?

For many Vancouverites, winter is the perfect time to escape the rain and head somewhere sunny for a few weeks, or even a few months. Whether you’re visiting family, working remotely abroad, or simply craving blue skies, it’s natural to wonder whether you can rent out your home while you’re away.

Short-term winter rentals are becoming more common, especially for homeowners in East Vancouver and North Vancouver who travel between December and March. But before you hand over the keys, it’s important to understand the legal rules, landlord responsibilities, and the practical steps that keep your home protected.

At the Ruth & David Group, we often advise homeowners on how to manage their property during extended absences. Here’s what you need to know if you’re thinking about rent out your home this winter.

Understanding Vancouver’s Rental Rules Before You Leave

Vancouver has some of the strictest rental bylaws in Canada. The type of rental you’re allowed to offer depends on your home, your zoning, and your strata.

Short-Term Rental vs. Long-Term Rental

Short-term rentals (less than 30 days) are only legal in Vancouver if:

• The property is your principal residence, and

• You have a valid City of Vancouver short-term rental business license.

This means:

• You can rent out your home if you’re away temporarily,

• But you cannot turn a secondary property into a short-term rental,

• And condos may have strata rules that forbid it entirely.

Long-term rentals (30+ days) are generally allowed, even without a business license, as long as:

• It’s permitted by your strata (if applicable), and

• The home meets all building and safety standards.

If your winter travel lasts several months, long-term rentals are the easier and fully compliant option.

Check Your Strata Bylaws Before Advertising Your Rental

Strata corporations can be stricter than the city. Even if Vancouver allows it, your building may not.

Common strata restrictions include:

• No short-term rentals

• Only long-term rentals allowed

• Limits on the number of units rented at one time

• Tenant screening procedures you must follow

• Requirements for move-in and move-out fees

Review your strata bylaws well in advance—or reach out to our team if you’re unsure how to interpret them. We help homeowners every week with this kind of question.

Responsibilities You Take On as a Temporary Landlord

Even if you’ll be thousands of kilometres away, you still have the responsibilities of a Vancouver landlord.

You Must Be Reachable

You’re legally required to:

• Provide an emergency contact

• Respond to repair requests

• Keep the home safe and livable

If you’ll be unreachable while you travel, you must appoint a local property manager or trusted person.

Understanding the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA)

Under BC law:

• Your tenant has rights

• You cannot ask them to leave early without proper notice

• Rental increases must follow RTA rules

• Deposits and inspections are mandatory

It’s important to follow the correct paperwork from the start to avoid disputes.

How to Screen Short-Term or Seasonal Tenants Safely

Your home is your most valuable asset. Careful screening protects you from damage, unpaid rent, or legal complications.

What to Look For

• Solid references

• Proof of employment or income

• Clear explanation for their short-term stay

• Ability to pay a damage deposit

• Clean rental history

Many winter renters are:

• Students starting winter semesters

• Professionals on short contracts

• Families renovating their own homes

• Travelers visiting Vancouver for work

These tenants often make excellent seasonal renters when screened properly.

Is Renting Out Your Home While Travelling Worth It?

Many homeowners find it to be a great way to:

• Offset travel expenses

• Cover mortgage costs

• Keep the home lived-in and maintained

• Avoid leaving the property empty during winter

But it only works smoothly if you’re compliant with the rules and choose the right tenant.

For some homeowners, renting makes perfect sense. For others, it may be easier to:

• House-swap

• Invite a trusted friend or family member to stay

• Hire a house sitter

• Simply leave the home empty and monitored

If you’re unsure what’s best for your situation, our team can help you explore your options.

How the Ruth & David Group Helps

As a long-standing real estate team in East Vancouver and North Vancouver, we understand the realities of owning property in our community. Whether you’re preparing your home for the market, exploring rental possibilities, or simply need advice before leaving town, we’re here to guide you with local expertise and practical solutions. Contact us when you are ready to sell your house, or simply need advice for your real estate.