Strata Councils and Short-Term Rental Owners: Working Together for Success
Responsibility + Sustainability = Harmony
As vacation rentals by owners have emerged as a new accommodation option and a way for homeowners to pay the bills, some strata buildings have been proactive and created systems that encourage responsible hosting, open communication, and respect for all residents.
This article looks at examples from Victoria, and shares practical ideas for any strata community looking to create harmony while accommodating a diverse mix of residents and housing uses.
STR Liaison
Some strata communities have established a position on council for a STR liaison. As well, STR owners in the building stay connected and share information, promote responsible hosting practices, and address any concerns that may arise through an email or a Whatsapp group.
This provides a clear point of contact within the building and helps maintain alignment between hosts and the broader ownership community.
Karen Weiss, a short-term rental owner in the Union Building, participates in her building’s STR group. “It’s been a great way to share information, work collaboratively, and ensure we’re operating in a way that respects the interests of all owners,” she says.
Information Sharing
Education: Explaining how the online platforms work helps owners understand the safeguards that are in place for short term rentals.
“Many people are surprised to learn that short-term rental guests are subject to a level of verification that often exceeds what is available for long-term rentals,” says Orion Rodgers of Coast & Host Vacation Rentals, a Victoria-based STR management company. “Guests are government-ID verified, have reviews from previous stays, and build a track record through a rating system. When someone has consistently received five-star reviews from past hosts, it provides a high degree of confidence.”
Responsive Communication
A direct line of communication between strata representatives and short-term rental owners or property managers is key.
Many municipal licensing programs, including Victoria’s, require a local contact who can respond quickly if an issue arises ( within two hours, is stipulated by the city of Victoria)*
“As a property manager, you need to be available and responsive,” notes Rodgers. “Building managers have my direct contact information and can reach me by phone or text. If something requires attention, it is addressed in real time.”
This responsiveness helps ensure that any potential concerns are dealt with promptly and professionally.
Sustainability
Many hosts take pride in supporting their local economy by providing guests with locally sourced products, such as coffee, soaps, and other amenities that showcase regional businesses.
Some owners also use off-site linen services and encourage cleaning providers to use environmentally responsible products wherever possible.
These small choices help create a more sustainable visitor experience while supporting local entrepreneurs.
Supporting Local Businesses:
Short-term rental hosts are encouraged to provide guests with curated guides highlighting local restaurants, retailers, cultural attractions, and community events. These recommendations help direct visitor spending toward local businesses. And guests appreciate the “insider” local knowledge.
Discounts: Many hosts have agreements with local shops to provide 5-10% discounts to guests, this encourages guests to visit shops directly in the area spreading the economic benefit our tourism in areas they may have only seen local shoppers
Understand Your Hosts
Owners who offer short-term rental are doing so to supplement income, save for a child’s education, support retirement goals, or offset rising housing costs.
Responsible hosts recognize that their ability to operate depends on maintaining positive relationships within their building and community.
As Sarah Rea, a property manager with HB Property Management in Kelowna, notes: “It’s in everyone’s best interest to ensure that hosts act responsibly and that property managers remain responsive. When expectations are clear and communication is open, everyone benefits.”
*City of Victoria Bylaw Responsible Person
6 (1) A person may only operate a short-term rental if they ensure that the name and contact information of the responsible person is prominently displayed in the short-term rental premises at all times when the short-term rental is operated.
(2) The operator may be the responsible person except when subsection (4 5) applies.
(3) The responsible person must be able to attend at the short-term rental premises within two hours of being requested to do so.
(4) If a person who operates a short-term rental in their principal residence is going to be away during the term of the short-term rental, they must designate a responsible person and comply with this section.