If you’re like many Canadian retirees, chasing the sunshine south for the winter is a well-earned tradition. But for those of you who prefer to head west to Vancouver Island—perhaps to enjoy Victoria’s mild climate and vibrant, walkable city center—the housing rules have recently changed in a big way.

We know advanced planning is key to a stress-free winter. Unfortunately, some recent adjustments in British Columbia’s housing legislation mean you need to adjust your strategy for securing that perfect furnished apartment or suite.

The new 90 Day Mandate

And what it means for advance trip planning . . .

In Victoria, new housing rules as of 2023 now mandate a 90-day minimum stay for all stand-alone rental properties (houses and apartments, but not rooms within a principal residence). This is a big hurdle for advance planning.

Before this change, many furnished rentals operated on fixed-term leases that included a defined end date, making it easy for property owners and snowbirds to line up the next tenant for the following season. Now? Those fixed terms are essentially null and void. A tenant who moves in has the option to extend their tenancy indefinitely, turning what was a fixed-term agreement into a month-to-month lease after the initial period.

This rule creates a lot of uncertainty for owners, which trickles down to renters like you. It means that while properties may be available for booking in the immediate future, owners are understandably hesitant to commit to future dates—say, next October—when their current tenant might decide to stay put. It’s making it harder to book your winter retreat too far ahead of time.

Good News: Favorable Market Trends: While the booking window might feel shorter, there are several positive trends working in your favour if you’re planning a mid-to-long-term stay:

• Lower Rates for Longer Stays: The 90-day minimum stay naturally pushes the market toward mid- and long-term stays (3 months or more). Owners are incentivized to offer great, discounted monthly rates compared to short-term, weekly pricing, ensuring greater occupancy through the shoulder seasons and winter months.
• Increased Vacancy: Due to the new regulatory environment, many short-term rental owners are converting their units into long-term furnished accommodations. This move is contributing to a rising vacancy rate for this specific category of rental. The simple law of supply and demand suggests that increased supply should help moderate prices, meaning you can find excellent properties at better-than-expected rent rates.

Securing Your Snowbird Victoria Home

The best approach now is flexibility and focus. Instead of booking a year or even months in advance, look for availability two to three months out and be ready to move quickly when the right place opens up.

We specialize in secure and well-appointed property rentals that are perfectly suited for comfortable, extended stays. Our properties meet all the new regulatory requirements and offer the quiet, luxury environment you expect. Ask to be put on the waitlist for your desired property.

We handle the complexities of the new rules so you can focus on packing your bags and enjoying your time on beautiful Vancouver Island!