Richmond votes to ban short-term rentals like Airbnb
Richmond city councillors have decided to ban short-term rentals like Airbnb.
City council voted unanimously to ban the rentals on Monday.
Council initially decided to establish a set of regulations regulating short-term rentals, only allowing them at the owner’s main residence. However, councillors changed course and are banning the short-term rentals altogether.
The ban will mean that that short-term rental sites like Airbnb will have to abide by the city’s bed and breakfast bylaws.
Airbnb and other short-term rental sites are now only allowed to list locations that have already obtained bed and breakfast licences from the city.
Vancouver decision on licensing expected soon
In September 2016, the City of Vancouver proposed to create business licenses for short-term rentals such as Airbnb.
The proposal states that anyone who wants to rent out their principal homes – whether they own or rent – for less than 30 days must follow a set of guidelines to do so.
In order to get a short-term rental license, applicants have to prove that the home they live in is their main residence – empty homes or investment properties won’t be considered for short-term rentals – through a tax assessment or signed tenancy agreement that permits short-term sublets.
Formal regulations regarding the proposal are expected to be announced early this year.