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Richmond looks to tighten up short-term rental rules

To address the problem of illegal short-term rentals in the midst of a tight rental market, Richmond city council is looking to tighten up rules around boarding and lodging and add two bylaw officers.
Richmond city hall

To address the problem of illegal short-term rentals in the midst of a tight rental market, Richmond city council is looking to tighten up rules around boarding and lodging and add two bylaw officers.

The proposals include requiring a business licence and restricting boarding and lodging operators to homeowners – the operator cannot be a corporation. That way, operators can only run one boarding and lodging business. City staff have also recommended hiring two more bylaw officers, at a cost of $240,000, for one year to enforce short-term rental regulations.

The fine for operating without a licence or not as the owner would be $1,000, if approved by council. The fine for having more than two guests would also be $1,000.

Kerry Starchuk, who organized a petition against birth tourism last year and has spoken out against short-term rentals, said she would like to see a buffer zone added to boarding and lodging accommodations.

The bylaw amendments will be dealt with at Monday’s committee meeting.