Here's what you need to know about renting your place out during the World Cup in Vancouver

Here's what you need to know about renting your place out during the World Cup in Vancouver

Brendan Kergin Oct 15, 2025 1:15 PM

With the FIFA World Cup coming to Vancouver in 2026, the city is looking to help locals know the rules around renting out their homes online. | Andrew Neel/Pexels

While most people know the basic rules around soccer, the same can't be said for short-term rentals in Vancouver.

Normally, those two things don't cross paths, but with what is likely the biggest sporting event ever coming next year (the 2026 FIFA World Cup), the City of Vancouver is clarifying the rules for those hoping to rent out their place during the tournament.

With the rise of Airbnb and similar companies in the last decade, it's a new set of rules compared to the last time Vancouver had a world-class sporting event in 2010.

In short, the city says those looking to earn a bit of cash during the World Cup will be allowed to, as long as they follow the law.

"These rules are designed to promote safe, responsible hosting while helping protect long-term housing in our communities," said the City in a press release issued Oct. 14.

What is a short-term rental?

Short-term rentals aren't necessarily all that short, technically.

By the city's rules, the term is 90 days or less.

What can be rented?

Only a person's principal residence can be rented. A primary residence is the place where you "live, receive mail, and pay bills."

No one is allowed to stock up on renting or buying places for next summer simply to rent the units out to visiting sports fans.

At the same time, renters in Vancouver will be allowed to host a short-term rental as long as they have permission from their landlord. Strata residents will need approval from their strata council.

"Separate suites, such as basements or laneway homes, can be rented if you live in that specific unit," states the city.

For example, homeowners won't be allowed to list a laneway house as a short-term rental if they live in the main house.

"You can't rent both your main house and secondary suite as short-term rentals," notes the city's website.

What paperwork and fees are needed?

For a legal short-term rental, two essential pieces of administration are needed.

A short-term business licence and a provincial registration number.

The business licence is done at the municipal level, with the City of Vancouver. With that will come a licence number, which will be required to legally list the rental space. Applications can be found online and cost more than $1,100 after fees.

To get a licence, there are certain safety standards required, including proper installation of carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and a posted fire plan. City staff may inspect a unit to make sure the safety standards are kept.

A provincial registration number can be applied for after receiving the business licence. Fees for the registration number run about $100.

Is this just for the World Cup?

While there's increased interest in short-term rentals during the World Cup, the business licence and registration number will allow people to rent short-term rentals all year.

When is the World Cup in Vancouver?

The World Cup starts June 11, 2026. The first game at Vancouver's BC Place is June 13. In all Vancouver will have seven games.