Understanding nightly rental properties in Whistler

Some of the more popular forms of property ownership in Whistler allow for owner use coupled with nightly rental income.  The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) has set out specific areas in the resort for these properties, and set out specific areas in other parts of the resort for residential-only use.  It’s important to understand that not all properties in Whistler are eligible to be rented out nightly.

By designating some areas for nightly rental and some areas for residential, the RMOW ensures the resort has enough nightly bed units to satisfy the needs of guests visiting the resort for short term stays, while retaining the residential and family feel of the surrounding subdivisions. Furthermore, by having areas in the valley that are only designated for residential use, Whistler guarantees seasonal and long-term rental residents a place to live.

Most of the legal nightly rental properties are located in the main Whistler Village, Village North and the Benchlands on Blackcomb.  Whistler Creekside also has limited nightly rental condos and townhomes.

Nightly rental properties can be divided into two main categories: Phase I and Phase II.

Phase I zoned properties

Phase 1 zoned properties offer unrestricted owner use with the option to do nightly rentals.  A Phase I owner can move into their property and stay for as long as they want; there is no restriction on the number of nights an owner can live in their property.  They also have the option to self manage their nightly rentals or opt to use a local rental management company to take care of renting the property for them.  Owners of Phase I zoned properties can also put a longer stay rental in their property.  Phase I properties can either be apartments or townhouses.

Phase II zoned properties

Phase 2 zoned properties are also known as ‘hotel-condos‘.  Typically located in a full service hotel, a phase II owner can use their apartment up to a maximum of 28 nights in the winter / spring (October 15 to April 15) and up to a maximum of 28 nights in the summer / fall (April 15 to October 15).  The remaining 309 nights and any unused owner nights are placed in a pooled rental program managed on behalf of the owners by the respective inhouse hotel management company. Phase II properties will be a condominium style of ownership.

Which one is right for me?

If you foresee yourself coming to Whistler a lot or are looking for the flexibility to come whenever you want to, Phase I will probably be the better option for you.  If you see yourself coming for one vacation each year, and are looking for a completely turn-key investment property that includes a front desk, concierge, swimming pool, gym, spa, in-room dining and shuttle service, the Phase II hotel-condo is likely the better option.

To better understand these two distinctive categories of property zoning, please connect with us and we can explain the benefits of each.  To search Phase I and Phase II listings, please select from one of the tiles below: