Canadians are suing Airbnb over the fees it charges users
The BC Supreme Court certified a class action lawsuit against Airbnb this week where plaintiffs allege the home-sharing platform is acting as an illegal travel agency and real estate broker.
Airbnb collects a portion of the fees customers pay to rent vacation properties, and the plaintiffs argue that it operates as a travel agency that is not licensed to offer those services. As well, since Airbnb collects money from guests and transfers it to hosts, the plaintiffs argue it’s providing unlicensed real estate broker services.
The key plaintiff is Margot Ware, a BC resident who has used Airbnb for travel for many years. She recently rented accommodation in Penticton, BC, for the cost of about $7,500.
The plaintiffs suing Airbnb argue it’s breaking Canadian consumer protection laws for its own benefit. They’re asking Airbnb for a refund of the fees they paid, with interest.
Airbnb argued the lawsuit was an abuse of process, but judge Elizabeth McDonald certified the class action — allowing it to proceed through BC’s court system.
Daily Hive reached out to the lawyer representing the plaintiffs in the case for comment, but he did not wish to comment given the ongoing nature of the case. Airbnb has not yet responded to Daily Hive’s request for comment.
The Government of BC has also been cracking down on Airbnb in recent years, tightening rules about who can host vacationing guests. BC’s NDP government has said the strengthened rules are meant to encourage Airbnb hosts to make their homes available as long-term rental stock.