By Sean Phillips, REALTOR®, Strand resident ·
Short answer: Yes. The Strand's strata bylaws allow both short-term and long-term rentals, and The Strand qualifies for the strata-hotel exemption from BC's principal residence requirement, so owners can offer stays of less than 90 days even if the condo isn't their principal residence. It isn't automatic, though: you still need a City of Vernon short-term rental business licence, provincial registration, insurance written for a commercial rental, and to report the income and run it like a business.
Rentals are one of the most common questions I hear from buyers, especially people from Alberta and the Lower Mainland who want to use their Strand condo part of the year and rent it the rest. Here's where things stand.
What the Strand strata allows
The Strand strata corporation (KAS3310) permits both short-term and long-term rentals, subject to its bylaws. Many Okanagan stratas ban short-term rentals outright or require long minimum lease terms, so this flexibility is a big part of what makes The Strand appealing.
If you rent your home, the strata requires you to:
- Give your guests or tenants a copy of the KAS3310 bylaws. Owners can be fined for a renter's bylaw infractions.
- Complete Form K. Tenants complete Part 1 and landlords complete Part 2 before the tenancy starts.
- Keep your Owner Contact Information Form up to date with Accent Property Management.
- Register the renter's boat if they'll use your slip, with a renter vessel form, a photo of the boat and proof of insurance.
All of these forms are on the official community website, strandlakeside.com.
BC's short-term rental rules: the big change
On May 1, 2024, the province brought in the Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act. In communities with more than 10,000 people, including Vernon, it limits short-term rentals (stays of less than 90 consecutive days) to:
- the host's principal residence (the home you live in for most of the year), plus
- one secondary suite or accessory dwelling on the same property.
Why The Strand is exempt. BC's Short-Term Rental Accommodations Regulation exempts strata-titled hotels and motels from the principal residence requirement when two or more strata lots can't be used as anyone's principal residence because of zoning, a restrictive covenant or a rental management agreement (section 3(2) of the regulation). The Strand was originally built as a hotel-style complex: about 70% of the homes were hotel-style units that couldn't be lived in year-round and had to be rented out, and about 30% were resident-owner homes. Owners of hotel-style units were later given the option to pay development cost charges (DCCs) to the City of Vernon to convert to resident-owner status, and many did. Because some units haven't converted and still can't be used as a principal residence, The Strand fits the strata-hotel exemption.
What the exemption does and doesn't mean. It means the provincial principal residence rule doesn't stop Strand owners from offering stays under 90 days. It doesn't mean you can simply list on Airbnb. You still need a City of Vernon short-term rental business licence, registration with the provincial short-term rental registry, insurance for a commercial rental, and to collect and report the applicable taxes. Rules can change, so confirm the current status with the City and the province before you buy.
What this means for different kinds of buyers
You'll live at The Strand full-time. If it's your principal residence, you can generally rent it short-term while you're away, for example in the winter months, as long as you hold a City of Vernon business licence and are registered with the provincial short-term rental registry. Vernon's fees are currently a $150 application fee plus a $400 annual licence.
You're buying a second home or an investment. Because of the strata-hotel exemption, you can offer short-term stays at The Strand even if it isn't your principal residence, as long as you're licensed, registered and insured. Other options:
- Rent long-term to a tenant under a standard BC residential tenancy
- Offer stays of 90 days or more, such as snowbird or winter-season rentals
- Use the home yourself whenever you like, and rent it when you're away
You're buying to retire in the future. A common plan is to rent the condo long-term now and move in later. With long-term tenants, remember that BC's Residential Tenancy Act sets the rules for ending a tenancy.
Tips for a smooth rental at The Strand
- Rent out your boat slip separately, but only to another Strand owner. Your tenant can use your slip only if their boat is registered with the strata.
- Hire a local property manager if you don't live nearby. They handle guest check-ins, Form K and bylaw communication with the strata.
- Ask about fob and phone-entry access. The building uses a phone-based entry system, and access for guests is set up through the strata's Entrapass form.
- Budget for turnover costs. Cleaning, furnishing and linens add up for furnished rentals.
Frequently asked questions
Is The Strand zoned for vacation rentals?
Yes, in practice. The strata bylaws allow short-term rentals, and The Strand qualifies for the provincial strata-hotel exemption from the principal residence requirement. You still need a City of Vernon business licence, provincial registration and insurance that covers a commercial rental.
Can I Airbnb my Strand condo if I live in Calgary?
Yes, as long as you hold a City of Vernon short-term rental business licence, register with the provincial short-term rental registry, carry insurance that covers a commercial rental, and run it like a business. The Strand's strata-hotel exemption means BC's principal residence rule doesn't block it.
Do tenants get to use the pool and beach?
Yes. Tenants and guests can use the common amenities under the strata's bylaws and rules. Marina use depends on the owner's slip and on registering the vessel.
More guides to The Strand Lakeside
- What Do Strata Fees Cover at The Strand Lakeside in Vernon?
- Boat Slips at The Strand Lakeside: How the Private Marina Works
- Pets, Parking, Storage and Renovations: Everyday Living at The Strand Lakeside
- What Is It Really Like to Live at The Strand Lakeside in Vernon?
Get the right advice before you buy
Rental rules are the area where a buyer's plan and the actual rules most often don't match. I'm happy to go over your plans and point you to the right people, including the City of Vernon, the provincial registry and an accountant or lawyer, before you commit. For current Strand listings and recent sales, visit 7343okanaganlanding.ca.
Text Sean: 778-363-0542
Call or text Sarah, my 24/7 Strand info line: 604-227-4810
Sean Phillips, REALTOR® | Coldwell Banker Executives Realty, Vernon BC. This post is general information, not legal or tax advice, and reflects rules as understood in September 2026. Short-term rental regulations change. Confirm with the City of Vernon, the Province of BC and your own legal or tax advisor before making a decision.
General information only, not legal, tax or financial advice. Confirm details for your situation with the appropriate professional.
