Dear Editor,
I empathize with those who live close to a house acting as an illegal hotel, or an Airbnb, having lived close to one for almost three years.
As appealing as Airbnbs are to vacationers, as the recent deluge of ads would have us believe, these short-term rentals are not always compatible with residential neighbourhoods. The renters’ enthusiastic vacation spirit spills over to the neighbours and not always in a good way. And I wonder how many of these “businesses” declare their Airbnb income.
The house in question near me was rented out year-round, the owners did not live on the premises, and the noise level varied depending on the group — anywhere from seven or eight screaming kids to a group of guys who know how to party.
Another house, in spite of a “For Sale” sign, has had no shortage of activity and appears to be renting to large groups of young people judging from our observations, as well as the noise level and litter.
My understanding is that there are no regulations and no licensing procedure for these rentals until those recently proposed for the City of Vancouver. One can only hope that other municipalities will follow.
Kudos to some activists and investigative reporters who have shone a spotlight on this issue and forced some government action.
Legal or illegal, ethical or unethical, regulated or unregulated, business has been brisk in our Richmond subdivision.
Such is the sad evolution of our neighbourhoods.
N. McDonald
Richmond
