BC Short-Term Rental Agreement Template (Free & Customizable)
Last updated: July 2025
Running a short-term rental in British Columbia is an exciting venture. Whether you’re sharing a room in your home or managing multiple properties, you’re part of a dynamic industry that empowers you to build a business on your own terms. But with recent changes to provincial regulations, being a successful host means being a smart and prepared one.
Your most powerful tool for achieving this? A rock-solid British Columbia short-term rental agreement.
This isn’t just another piece of paperwork. It’s the foundation of a professional, secure, and successful hosting business. It protects your property, sets clear expectations for guests, and gives you the confidence to manage your rental property independently.
In this article, we’ll break down the basics of short-term rental agreements in BC, including what’s required, what’s considered a short-term rental, and what clauses to include in your agreement.
Don’t see the form to download our BC Short-Term Rental Agreement Template? Click here.
What is a short-term rental agreement?
A short-term rental agreement is a legally binding contract between you (the host) and your guest. It clearly outlines the rules, responsibilities, and expectations for the duration of a temporary stay. Think of it as the official rulebook for the property. It ensures both you and your guests are on the same page about everything from payment terms and occupancy limits to your specific house rules.
Are short-term rental agreements required in British Columbia?
No, a written BC short-term rental agreement is not legally mandatory for every booking. This is because genuine vacation rentals are exempt from the province’s standard tenancy laws.
The key piece of legislation here is the BC Residential Tenancy Act, which specifies in section 4(e) that the Act does not apply to “living accommodation occupied as vacation or travel accommodation.”
However, just because it isn’t mandatory doesn’t mean you should skip it. A well-drafted rental agreement is one of the most effective tools for a host. It’s your first line of defence against potential disputes and a clear sign to guests that you are a professional and serious business owner. It empowers you to set your own rules and protect your investment.
What is considered a short-term rental in BC?
The definition of a short-term rental in British Columbia has been clarified by the new Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act. Under this provincial law, a short-term rental is defined as accommodation provided to a guest for a period of less than 90 consecutive days.
This new legislation also introduces a “principal residence requirement” for many communities, meaning hosts can only offer short-term rentals in the home where they live for the majority of the year. For a deep dive into how these new rules might affect your specific listings on platforms like Airbnb, check out our detailed guide on BC’s new Airbnb rules.
Which areas are exempt from BC’s principal residence requirement?
While the new rules are widespread, some areas are exempt from British Columbia’s principal residence requirement. According to the Government of British Columbia, some exemptions include:
- Municipalities with a population under 10,000 (unless they choose to opt into the rules)
- 14 specific resort municipalities, such as Whistler, Tofino, and Sun Peaks
- Strata hotels and motels that were operating in a manner similar to a hotel before December 8, 2023
It’s crucial to check your local municipal and regional district bylaws, as they can still have their own specific rules.
Clauses to include in your BC short-term rental agreement
To make your agreement as effective as possible, it needs to be specific, clear, and comprehensive. Here are the essential clauses every British Columbia short-term rental agreement should contain.
Property and party details
Clearly list the full names and contact information of the registered guest(s) and the host or property manager. Include the full address of the rental property. This removes any ambiguity about who is staying and where.
Rental terms and dates
State the exact date and time for both check-in and check-out. This helps prevent unauthorized late check-outs that can interfere with your cleaning schedule and the arrival of your next guest.
Financials: rent, deposits, and fees
Break down all costs clearly to ensure transparency. This section should include:
- The total rental amount
- The payment schedule (e.g., 50% at booking, 50% 14 days before arrival)
- The security deposit amount and the conditions for its full return
- Any additional fees, such as cleaning fees, pet fees, or charges for extra guests
House rules and local bylaws
This is your opportunity to set expectations for how your property should be treated. Be specific about your policies on smoking, pets, parties, and events. It’s also wise to include a mention of respecting local noise bylaws (e.g., quiet hours typically start at 10 or 11 p.m. in most BC municipalities). If your property is in a strata, you should include relevant strata bylaws that guests need to follow.
Still need to define your house rules? Here’s a vacation rental house rules template to get you started.
Maximum occupancy
State the maximum number of guests allowed on the property at any time, including both overnight guests and daytime visitors. This is a critical clause for safety, insurance purposes, and preventing unauthorized parties.
Cancellation policy
Outline the exact terms for cancellation. What is the deadline for a full or partial refund? What happens if the cancellation is last-minute? A clear policy protects your venue and is fair to guests who may need to change their plans.
Liability and damages
This clause clarifies guest responsibility. State that guests are responsible for the cost of any damages to the property or its contents during their stay. You can also include a statement that the host is not liable for any accidents, injuries, or loss of personal belongings.
Host’s right of entry
While respecting guest privacy is paramount, you need the right to enter the property in specific situations. This is typically for emergencies, to perform necessary repairs, or to show the property to a potential buyer (with adequate notice).
How do I write a short-term rental agreement?
Creating a professional agreement doesn’t have to be intimidating. By following a clear process, you can build a document that empowers you and protects your business.
- Start with a solid foundation: Begin with a comprehensive template designed for short-term rentals. This ensures you cover all the essential legal bases.
- Customize for your property: Tailor the agreement to your specific unit and location. Reference your unique house rules, mention your local BC municipality’s noise bylaw, and include any specific instructions related to your property (like hot tub rules and garbage disposal procedures).
- Keep it simple and clear: Use straightforward language. The goal is for your guests to easily read and understand the terms.
- Deliver it before booking is finalized: Ensure your guests receive and agree to the terms of the rental agreement before they make their final payment.
- Review and update regularly: Laws and regulations change. Review your agreement at least once a year to ensure it’s still compliant with the latest provincial and municipal rules in British Columbia.
Ready to host with confidence?
A clear, professional short-term rental contract for British Columbia is your key to building a successful and independent business. It sets the stage for a great guest experience and gives you the peace of mind that your investment is protected.
To get started, you don’t need to write one from scratch. We’ve done the heavy lifting for you.
Download our free, customizable BC short-term rental agreement template today and set up your business for success!
Don’t see the form to download our BC Short-Term Rental Agreement Template? Click here.