A Vancouver city councillor is putting forward a motion to look into the impact of short-term rentals on the city’s housing stock and strengthen the regulation of the growing industry.
Councillor Geoff Meggs told Global News they are hearing more specific complaints and clear evidence that the supply of rental housing is being affected by short-term rentails like Airbnb.
In the motion, Meggs says the city of Vancouver has an extremely low rental vacancy rate of less than one per cent, adding access to affordable, quality rental housing is limited.
The motion stipulates the city’s zoning and development bylaw prohibits rentals for less than thirty days, unless in approved zones for hotel and bed & breakfast businesses, accompanied by an appropriate city business licence.
It quotes “recent third party reports” suggesting more than 4,000 units are being offered on Airbnb in Vancouver.
It goes on to say:
It is probable that many of these units are being offered in violation of the zoning and development bylaw with a negative impact on vacancy rates, building security and public safety considerations. Enforcement of existing bylaws is complaint-driven and requires more evidence than a simple listing to prove a violation
Meggs says they are expecting city staff to make recommendations for action after appropriate research and consultation. They also want to look into how other cities are addressing the issue.
WATCH: Karen Sawatzky has been gathering data on Airbnb for her master’s thesis in urban studies at SFU. Sawatzky’s research suggests a large increase in the number of Airbnb listings in Vancouver.
If the motion is passed, the councill will direct staff to seek co-operation from Airbnb and other listing services, including detailed data on listings, to ensure an accurate assessment of the issue.
Airbnb released the following statement to Global News:
We look forward to continuing a productive dialogue with Vancouver policymakers and providing insight into the make up of our community — the vast majority of whom are regular people sharing their primary residences — to develop smart, clear and fair home sharing rules.
City staff would also be directed to consult with the Renters Advisory Committee, the tourism industry and other stakeholders.
Last month, Tofino city council unanimously passed a motion to crack down on accommodations offered on websites like Airbnb without a business licence.