B.C. government has introduced legislation that will give municipalities a new tool to fight dismal rental vacancy rates.

If passed, the new regulations will allow local governments to zone property for rental-only development.

Currently, municipalities are unable to make such zoning designations.

"Local governments are on the front lines of the housing crisis, so they're well positioned to guide the right types of housing to meet the needs of their residents," said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

"There is a shortage of rental homes in British Columbia. The steps we are taking today will both help local governments track the needs of their communities, and give them a powerful tool to deliver homes people can afford in the communities where they work, go to school and raise their families."

The new legislation would also allow a municipality to designate a portion of new development to be rental only.

The power would be optional for local governments to use. It comes with requirements for public hearings for rental-only designations.