Enigmatic B.C. Legislations: An Exploration of Provincial STR Regulations
The British Columbia (B.C.) government, invigorated by Quebec’s recent vow to establish provincewide regulations for short-term rentals (think Airbnb), sets out on its own journey of crafting analogous legislation.
B.C. Housing Minister’s Intriguing Mandate
Ravi Kahlon, the esteemed B.C. Housing Minister, has been handed a fascinating mandate: forge legislation empowering local communities to better regulate services akin to Airbnb. His confirmation to CBC News spoke volumes: the process will begin this year.
Tragedy Strikes: The Catalyst
A devastating fire at an illegal Airbnb in Old Montreal, claiming seven precious lives, has prompted increased scrutiny of platforms like Airbnb. With Quebec’s ambitious promise to ensure only registered rentals are listed on Airbnb, the spotlight now falls on B.C.’s current regulatory landscape and the government’s forthcoming plans.
The Current Regime: A Fragmented System
Provincial authorities work diligently to ensure Airbnb hosts pay their fair share of Provincial Sales Tax (PST). Yet, the responsibility of overseeing short-term rentals (STRs) primarily rests on local governments, who issue business licenses and enforce bylaws. Municipalities wield zoning tools to confine STR operations to specific locales.
Strata Councils: Enigmatic Enforcers
Mysteriously, strata councils also hold sway, with the power to impose bylaws regarding STRs or ban them outright.
Existing Regulations: The Intricate Web
The labyrinthine regulatory landscape varies by jurisdiction. B.C. communities often enforce bylaws restricting STR listings, with cities like Vancouver, Kelowna, and Victoria limiting short-term rentals to units where the owner or another person considers the property their primary residence. Violations? Fines ensue.
Lax Enforcement: A Risk Worth Taking?
Housing advocate Rohana Rezel highlights the conundrum: lackadaisical enforcement has led to people risking operating full-time Airbnbs, even if they no longer qualify for the province’s vacant homes tax principal residence exemption.
Unlicensed Listings: The Astonishing Numbers
Inside Airbnb, the independent watchdog, estimates a staggering 29% of Vancouver’s 5,975 listings are unlicensed.
Reasons for Provincial Involvement: The Crux
The government acknowledges the capabilities of local governments in regulating STRs, but recognizes the need for additional support from provincial authorities. A Housing Ministry spokesperson elucidated the minister’s task of developing legislation to establish new tools for local governments, given the challenges in compliance and enforcement of local bylaws.
STR Controversies: A Tangled Web
Noise from “party houses” and safety concerns, exemplified by the recent Montreal fire, contribute to the contentious nature of STRs and vacation rentals.
The “Airbnb Effect”
Rezel posits that Airbnb and short-term rentals could reduce housing stock in cities with low vacancy rates (e.g., Vancouver and Victoria), creating the enigmatic “Airbnb effect.”
Potential Provincial Legislation: The Unknown
The Housing Ministry is considering B.C.’s ride-hailing industry regulations as a potential model for STR platform regulations. These regulations grant the Passenger Transportation Board the authority to license individual cab drivers and necessitate ride-hailing apps to set fare ranges approved by the board.
Accountability and Public Licenses
Rezel endorses provincial oversight and posits that platforms should be held responsible for infractions committed by STR owners. He also proposes making STR operator business licenses public, akin to hotels.
Airbnb’s Legal Battle: Unfolding Drama
Airbnb is engaged in a legal duel, having filed a petition challenging a 2021 ruling by B.C.’s Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner. The ruling mandated the City of Vancouver to make licenses public, and the case now resides in the hands of the B.C. Supreme Court.
City of Vancouver: Support for Provincial Oversight
Sarah Hicks, the City of Vancouver’s chief license inspector, has expressed support for enhanced provincial oversight of STR apps. Airbnb, however, remains enigmatically silent on the matter.
Conclusion: An Uncharted Path
As B.C. ventures forth into the labyrinth of provincial regulations for short-term rental platforms, perplexing questions and tangled challenges are certain to arise. With the government’s commitment to act and the pursuit of increased oversight, B.C. could set the stage for a new era in STR regulation. The journey has just begun.
