Mixed reviews on B.C.'s plan to crack down on short-term rentals

In an effort to correct the housing crisis in B.C., the province is cracking down on short-term rentals. It will be rolling out new legislation that it hopes will help put more long-term rental units back into the market.

In an effort to correct the housing crisis in B.C., the province is cracking down on short-term rentals. It will be rolling out new legislation that it hopes will help put more long-term rental units back into the market.

"The tools that weren't available to local government previous is now available to them through this legislation,” said Ravi Kahlon, B.C.’s housing minister.

The government is taking a number of actions including creating a database of legal short-term rentals throughout the province that municipalities will be able to access.

The province will also create a short-term rental and compliance department to help municipalities enforce fines against those operating without a licence.

As well, fines will increase from $1,000 to $3,000 per day for those breaking the rules.

The big game changer, in order to now operate a short term rental, it must be in one’s principal residence only.

“Any rule that is going to potentially shift housing into the rental pool and out of Airbnb is fantastic,” said Robert Berry, a volunteer with Homes For Living.