City of New Westminster STR Regulations 2026

To legally operate a short-term rental in New Westminster, you need:

✓A City of New Westminster Bed & Breakfast business licence — the only permitted STR licence type
✓The property must be your principal residence — you must live on-site
✓Breakfast must be provided to guests as part of the stay
✓A BC provincial registration number displayed on all listings
✓Pass building, fire, and plumbing inspections before the licence is issued

Short-Term Rentals in New Westminster

Definition: In New Westminster, short-term rentals are defined as temporary sleeping accommodations for less than 90 days. Unlike many other Metro Vancouver cities, New Westminster only permits STRs through a Bed & Breakfast (B&B) licence. There is no general STR licence available.

If you don't hold a B&B licence in New Westminster, you cannot legally market or operate a nightly short-term rental — even if you are registered provincially. The B&B licence requirement is strictly enforced, and violations can result in daily fines of $200–$400 per offence.

Bed & Breakfast Requirements

To qualify for a B&B business licence in New Westminster, your property and operation must meet all of the following conditions under the city's Zoning Bylaw (s. 190.28).

B&B Licence — Operating Conditions

All conditions must be met to qualify for and maintain a B&B business licence in New Westminster

Host Lives On-Site

The operator must live in the property. Short-term rentals without the host present are not permitted under the B&B model.

Breakfast Included

Daily breakfast must be provided to guests as part of the accommodation. This is a core requirement of the B&B definition.

Guest Limits

Maximum 4 guests unless additional floor area qualifies the property for up to 10 guests maximum. Confirm applicable limits with the city.

Secondary Suite Rule

If the property has a secondary suite, the B&B may operate in either the principal residence or the secondary suite — but not both simultaneously.

No Laneway Houses

B&B use is not permitted in detached accessory dwelling units such as laneway houses or carriage houses.

Parking

One off-street or on-street parking space is permitted per B&B bedroom, up to a maximum of two spaces per three bedrooms.

Landlord/Strata Approval

Written permission from the landlord or strata corporation is required before applying for a licence if applicable.

Pre-Licence Inspections

Building, fire, and plumbing inspections are required before the B&B licence is issued. Budget time for the inspection process.

Licence Fees (2025 Schedule)

Application fee (one-time) ~$58

Annual licence renewal fee ~$209

Daily fine for operating without a valid licence $200–$400 per day

Is Your Situation Allowed?

These examples show how New Westminster's B&B-only policy applies in practice.

🏠 B&B Licence Required

Owner Renting Rooms with Breakfast

You live in your house, rent one or two rooms, provide breakfast, have passed inspections, and hold a valid B&B licence. This is the standard legal model in New Westminster.

🏠 Verify with City

Property with a Secondary Suite

You live in your house and it has a secondary suite. A B&B may operate in one location (main unit or secondary suite), but not both. Check with the city to confirm which qualifies.

🚫 Not Permitted

General Airbnb / No Breakfast

Operating an Airbnb without a B&B licence, hosting without breakfast, renting a laneway house, or operating an investment property are all not permitted in New Westminster.

Summary: What You Need

Legal short-term rentals in the City of New Westminster require all of the following.

✓
City of New Westminster B&B Licence — The only legal STR pathway. Apply with the city, pass all inspections, pay the application fee (~$58), and renew annually (~$209).
✓
Principal Residence + Host On-Site — You must live in the property and be present during all guest stays. Entire-unit rentals without the host are not permitted.
✓
Breakfast Provided — Daily breakfast must be included as part of the guest's stay. This is a defining requirement of the B&B model.
✓
BC Provincial Registration Number — Register with the provincial STR registry and display your registration number on all listings alongside your B&B licence number.
✓
Pre-Licence Inspections Passed — Building, fire, and plumbing inspections must be completed and passed before the city issues your B&B licence.

Official Resources

For authoritative and up-to-date information, visit:

City of New Westminster: The city's business licence section explains the B&B licence requirements, inspection process, fee schedules, and zoning bylaw conditions for short-term rentals.

Province of BC — STR Registry: The provincial short-term rental registry is where all BC hosts must register to receive their provincial registration number before listing.

Regulations change regularly. Always verify current requirements directly with the City of New Westminster and the Province of BC before listing your property.

⚠ Disclaimer: This page is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the City of New Westminster and the Province of BC, and consider consulting a qualified professional. Last verified: March 2026.

City of New Westminster — STR Regulations