Vancouver proposes strict new Airbnb regulations

The City of Vancouver is proposing a ban on all short-term rentals that are not inside a person’s principal residence -- including secondary suites.

That means homeowners would no longer be allowed to list separate basements, granny flats and laneway houses on websites like Airbnb.

The regulations are stricter than those proposed in Toronto, which is planning to allow short-term rentals in both principal residences and secondary suites.

Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson called the new proposal a balanced approach that “will ensure the best use of all our housing.”

“By regulating short-term rentals, the City is protecting long-term rental stock,” he said. “With a 0.8% vacancy rate, every home counts,” he added.

If approved, short-term rental operators in Vancouver would also need to obtain a $49 per year business license and pay a one-time $54 “activation fee.” Operators would be required to list their license numbers on short-term rental sites.

The proposed regulations were cheered by Fairbnb, a coalition that includes hotel owners, residents’ associations and a major hotel workers union.

Mary Todorow, Research and Policy Analyst with the Advocacy Centre for Tenants in Ontario, said she is “encouraged to see that Vancouver will protect its affordable rental housing stock from being turned into vacation rentals.”

“We expect that Toronto will exhibit the same leadership as it prepares its short-term rental regulation,” she added.

Vancouver’s regulations are expected to be voted on by council next week and could be enforced by next April, according to the mayor’s office.

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