Why Do Some Listings Still Have Rental or Age Restrictions?
Why Do Some Listings in North & West Vancouver Still Have Rental or Age Restrictions?
You may have noticed MLS® listings in North or West Vancouver that mention rental or age restrictions — even though you’ve probably heard that those rules were recently banned for most strata properties in B.C.
So what’s going on? If the province changed the law, why are restrictions still showing up?
Let’s break down what changed, why you’re still seeing these notes on listings, and what buyers need to look out for.
What Changed in B.C.'s Strata Laws?
In November 2022, the B.C. government amended the Strata Property Act to increase housing availability across the province. The key changes were:
- Rental Restrictions: Strata corporations can no longer prohibit rentals of any length (though short-term rentals like Airbnb may still be restricted through local bylaws or strata rules).
- Age Restrictions: Stratas can now only restrict age to 55+ — any other age-based bylaws (e.g., 19+, 45+) are no longer valid.
These updates apply to all strata-titled properties, including most condos and townhomes. The goal was to open more housing options to families, renters, and people needing flexibility.
[Read our Guide to 55+ Age-Restricted Stratas in North & West Vancouver]
Why Do Some Listings Still Show Rental or Age Restrictions?
Great question — and the answer usually comes down to property type.
While strata properties fall under the Strata Property Act, not all multi-unit buildings are stratas. Some are governed by other legal structures not subject to the province’s changes.
Common Non-Strata Property Types:
- Leasehold properties
- Co-ops (housing cooperatives)
- Share-based ownership (e.g., owning shares in a company that grants occupancy rights)
- Undivided interest arrangements
These setups are not regulated by the Strata Property Act, which means they can still enforce:
- Rental restrictions (e.g., owner-occupancy only, rental caps, or outright bans)
- Age restrictions (e.g., 19+ or 45+ rules)
That’s why you may still see these restrictions listed on MLS®, even though they’re no longer legal in strata condos.
[Read out Guide: Understanding Different Property Interests in BC]
What Should Buyers Look For?
Whether you’re buying a condo, townhome, or another type of property, it’s crucial to know what rules may apply — and whether the listing info is up to date.
If It’s a Strata Property:
- Confirm there are no rental restrictions still being enforced — they’re no longer legal.
- Check if the building has a 55+ age restriction, which is still allowed (with some exemptions like caregivers or spouses).
- Be cautious of outdated listing details — some MLS® entries may still mention older, no-longer-valid rules.
If It’s a Non-Strata Property:
- Ask whether rental or age limits are part of the ownership agreement.
- Understand how these restrictions might impact your future plans or resale value.
- Make sure your Realtor reviews the governing documents (e.g., lease agreements or co-op bylaws) during due diligence.
Looking for condos or townhomes with 55+ restrictions?
Use our curated property search tools to find homes that match your lifestyle:
These pages show active listings and our database of sold 55+ homes. Be sure to check back regularly — or set listing alerts by area or complex to get notified the moment a 55+ home hits the market or sells in your favourite building.
Bottom Line
- Strata properties: Rental bans, except for length of rental, are no longer allowed; age restrictions must be 55+ (with exemptions).
- Non-strata properties: Can still impose age or rental restrictions through their own legal frameworks.
- Buyers: Always verify the property type and the enforceability of any listed restrictions before writing an offer.
Buying or Selling in North or West Vancouver?
We can help you navigate complex listings, clarify restrictions, and align your purchase with your goals.
Reach out today to get started.