Short-Term Rentals

Learn more about the upcoming short-term rental requirements in Surrey. 

Council approved recommendations outlined in Corporate Report R094 endorsing bylaw amendments related to short-term rentals. Learn more about the City's requirements to host a short-term rental.  

Short-term rental definition

The renting of a dwelling unit by its owner to members of the public for temporary accommodation for a period of less than 90 consecutive days for each patron. 

  • This excludes bed and breakfast, boarding and lodging and tourist accommodation. 
  • Commonly referred to as vacation rentals. 
  • They may be used by people on temporary work assignment or medical stays. 

Accepted housing types & zones

A short-term rental is permitted, provided that the property is also used as the owner's principal residence, in the following:

  • Single family dwelling and a maximum of one secondary suite or coach house
  • Multiple unit residential dwelling and a maximum of one lock-off suite (if applicable)
  • A short-term rental is permitted in the following residential, mixed-use, and agricultural zones:
    • A-1, A-2, RA, RA-G, RH, RH-G, RC, RF-O, RQ, RF, RF-SS, RF-13, RF-G, RF-12, RF-12C, RF-10, RF-10S, RF-9, RF-9C, RF-9S, RF-SD, RM-D, RM-10, RM-15, RM-23, RM-30, RM-45, RM-70, RM-135, RMC-135, RMC-150, C-15, C-35, and applicable CD zones

Permitted length of stay

Less than 90 consecutive days for each patron.

There is no limit on the maximum number of bookings per customer per year.  

Hosting a short-term rental

Hosting a short-term rental is restricted to the owner of the property. 

Business licence requirements

All short-term rentals in Surrey must have a business licence.  The business licence fee is $350 per year plus any applicable application fees.

Additionally, owners must: 

  • Upon demand by the City, provide evidence that the short-term rental property is the owner's principal residence; 
  • Not allow more than one booking at a time; 
  • Keep records regarding patrons for 2 years; and 
  • Register the short-term rental with the Province. 

Compliance & enforcement

The City may issue Bylaw Notice Enforcement Notices, Municipal Ticket Informations (MTIs), commence legal proceedings, or take other enforcement measures for non-compliance with short-term rental bylaw regulations. 

Background

On October 26, 2023, the Province approved the Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act to regulate short-term rental accommodations in the province. This legislation is intended to address the current housing shortage and give local governments stronger tools to enforce short-term rental bylaws. The Province will now also play a role in the regulation of short-term rentals.

On April 8, 2024, Council approved the recommendations in Corporate Report R066, endorsing a policy for short-term rentals and authorizing amendments to Surrey’s Zoning Bylaw, Business Licence Bylaw, Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw, and Municipal Ticket Information Utilization Bylaw.  

As of May 1, 2024, the Province limited short-term rentals to the host’s principal residence plus one secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit and requires hosts to display their valid business licences on their listings.   

Contact information

For questions or concerns about short-term rentals, please contact: 

  • Zoning requirements: 604-591-4448 

  • Business licences: 604-591-4370  

  • Complaints & enforcement: 604-591-4370 or report a problem online

  • If you wish to contact the Compliance and Enforcement Unit (CEU) within the Short-Term Rental Branch in the Ministry of Housing, please visit short-term rental compliance and enforcement.