Victoria: The B.C. government has introduced legislation that would rein in what it says is a rapidly expanding short-term rental market.
Premier David Eby says the number of short-term rentals has ballooned in recent years and the government is taking action to reduce “profit-driven mini-hotel operators” by bringing in new enforcement tools.
Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon introduced the bill in the legislature today, saying there has been “an explosion” of short-term rental units and this legislation will target areas with high housing needs.
The legislation would force short-term rental platforms to share their data with the province for enforcement and tax purposes, and would limit short-term rentals to within a host’s own home, or a basement suite or laneway home on their property.
Most of the rules will apply to communities that have a population of 10,000 or more, and a provincial host and platform registry will be established by late next year. — The Canadian Press