B.C.'s Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon Monday (Jan. 20) announced the launch of a new B.C.-wide registry for short-term rentals. 

The registry is part of government's broader plan to curb short-term rentals specifically and increase housing options generally. The registry aims to improve enforcement of the short-term legislation by requiring short-term rental providers to obtain a provincial registration number, a valid business license number and post such information on their listing if required.

The deadline for registration is May 1 with the government offering a registration discount for the next two months. 

"It's another step toward addressing the housing challenges that people are facing," Kahlon said. 

The legislation defines short-term rentals as accommodations available on a host鈥檚 property for a period of less than 90 consecutive days. The legislation restricts short-term rentals to a host鈥檚 principal residence plus one secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit in most but not all communities. 

Kahlon made the announcement in Vancouver. 

More to come.