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B.C. to bring in new rules on short-term rentals to create more housing

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 16 Oct, 2023 10:26 AM

The B.C. government has introduced legislation that would rein in what it says is a rapidly expanding short-term rental market.

Premier David Eby says the number of short-term rentals has ballooned in recent years and the government is taking action to reduce “profit-driven mini-hotel operators” by bringing in new enforcement tools.

Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon introduced the bill in the legislature today, saying there has been "an explosion" of short-term rental units and this legislation will target areas with high housing needs.

We’re acting to fix serious challenges short-term rentals are creating for people looking for a home:
✅ $3k Fines per day for hosts breaking rules.
✅ Big Fines for Platforms breaking rules.
✅ First place in 🇨🇦 to have Principal Resident requirements.
👉🏾 https://t.co/SZVE5xcS5u pic.twitter.com/QEbaaAfi6O
— Ravi Kahlon (@KahlonRav) October 16, 2023

The changes would also require platforms to share data with municipalities to improve local enforcement, a shift expected by next summer.

The legislation would force short-term rental platforms to share their data with the province for enforcement and tax purposes, and would limit short-term rentals to within a host’s own home, or a basement suite or laneway home on their property.

Most of the rules will apply to communities that have a population of 10,000 or more, and a provincial host and platform registry will be established by late next year.

The government says short-term rental listings on online platforms, such as Airbnb, VRBO, Expedia and FlipKey, have expanded rapidly since the COVID-19 pandemic and are now at an all-time high.

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