City of Coquitlam STR Regulations 2026

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

✓The property must be your principal residence — you must occupy and operate the rental
✓A City of Coquitlam home-based business licence for short-term rental (inspection required)
✓A BC provincial registration number displayed on all listings
✓Comply with occupancy and space limits (max 2 visitors per stay; rental area under 40% of floor area)

Note: Coquitlam's STR operating conditions are based on how the city enforces its bylaws. Some conditions may not be consolidated in a single public bylaw document. We recommend verifying current requirements directly with the City of Coquitlam before applying.

Short-Term Rentals in Coquitlam

Definition: A short-term rental is any rental for less than 90 consecutive days. In Coquitlam, short-term rentals operate under the city's home-based business licensing framework, with the provincial STR rules also applying.

Coquitlam allows short-term rentals under a home-based business model. The approach is similar to traditional bed-and-breakfast style hosting — a permanent resident must occupy and operate the rental. Coquitlam is also subject to provincial STR legislation, which requires registration and compliance with principal residence rules.

Licence & Operating Conditions

All STR operators must hold a home-based business licence and comply with the following conditions while hosting.

Key Operating Requirements

Business Licence

A City of Coquitlam home-based business licence is required. The property must be inspected as part of the licensing process, and the licence must be displayed on the premises.

Occupancy Requirement

A permanent resident must occupy and operate the rental at all times. The host is expected to live in the home during guest stays.

Guest Limit

Only one family or group, with a maximum of 2 visitors per stay. Large gatherings or multiple separate bookings at once are not permitted.

Floor Area Limit

Rental use must occupy less than 40% of the total residential floor area. Most of the home must remain in use as a primary residence, not dedicated to guest accommodation.

Shared Facilities

Separate kitchen facilities in a rental unit are generally not permitted. Guests are expected to share kitchen and common areas with the host.

Neighbourhood Impact

Operations must not negatively impact traffic, noise, or neighbourhood quality. The city investigates complaints and may revoke licences for violations.

Provincial Requirements Also Apply

In addition to Coquitlam's municipal licence, hosts must also meet BC provincial STR requirements.

Provincial STR Registry: All hosts must register with the BC provincial STR registry and receive a registration number before listing.
Registration Number on Listings: Your provincial registration number must be displayed on every listing (Airbnb, Vrbo, etc.).
Principal Residence Requirement: Provincial law limits STRs to a host's principal residence in most BC municipalities. Coquitlam falls under this requirement.
Platform Compliance: Platforms are required to verify registration numbers and may remove non-compliant listings from their sites.
Secondary Suites & Accessory Dwellings: Under provincial rules, accessory dwelling units may be registered for STR, but must comply with both the principal residence requirement and all municipal licensing rules.

Is Your Situation Allowed?

These examples illustrate how Coquitlam's rules apply in practice.

🛏️ Likely Permitted

Owner Hosting a Room

You live in your home and rent one bedroom to up to 2 guests. You have a home-based business licence and provincial registration. Guests share the kitchen. This fits the standard Coquitlam model.

🏠 Verify with City

Multiple Rooms or Accessory Units

Renting more than one room, a secondary suite, or an accessory dwelling unit involves additional rules. Always confirm directly with the City of Coquitlam before proceeding.

🚫 Not Permitted

Investment Property or Entire-Unit Rental

Operating an STR in a property that is not your principal residence, or renting an entire unit while away, is not permitted in Coquitlam under the principal residence requirement.

Summary: What You Need

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

✓
Principal Residence — You must live in the property and be present during guest stays. Pure investment properties are not eligible.
✓
City of Coquitlam Home-Based Business Licence — Obtain a licence, pass the inspection, display the licence on the premises, and include the licence number on listings.
✓
BC Provincial Registration Number — Register with the provincial STR registry and display your registration number on all listings.
✓
Occupancy & Space Limits — Maximum 2 guests per stay; rental use must be less than 40% of floor area; no separate kitchen facilities for guests.

Official Resources

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

City of Coquitlam: The City of Coquitlam's business licence section covers the home-based business licence requirements for short-term rentals, including application steps and inspection requirements.

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.

Because Coquitlam's STR operating conditions are enforced through multiple bylaw provisions, we strongly recommend contacting the City directly to confirm current requirements before applying for a licence.

⚠ Disclaimer: This page is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. STR regulations change frequently. Some Coquitlam operating conditions are based on available city guidance and enforcement practice rather than a single consolidated bylaw. Always verify current requirements directly with the City of Coquitlam and the Province of BC. Last verified: March 2026.

City of Coquitlam — STR Regulations