The city of Vancouver has escalated enforcement on three high profile residential operators illegally operating commercial short term rentals.
Onni, Carmana Plaza and Vancouver Extended Stay were busted for violating local ordinances. Short term rentals are not currently allowed in Vancouver. At present, only hotels and licensed bed and breakfast operators can rent residential units for less than 30 days at a time.
City Confirmed Illegal Short Term Rental Activity
In April, media outlets reported to the city that these commercial operators were renting multiple units as short term rentals. The city investigated these cases and gathered evidence to confirm the illegal rental activity, and is pursuing enforcement actions based on the response.
Onni’s The Level was issued orders related to illegal operations, and has paid fines totaling $24,000 related to activity over the past six months.
Bylaw violations by Vancouver Extended Stay and Carmana Plaza have been referred to prosecution.
Most High Profile Short Term Rentals Will Stop
Onni agreed to immediately stop short term rentals.
Vancouver Extended Stay offers property management services to owners of suites, and have also agreed to immediately stop short term rentals. The property management service and the suite owners must all obtain business licenses to come into by-law compliance, according to the city’s website.
Carmana Plaza received zoning approval to convert 96 suites to hotel use, but conversion is not complete. The company must obtain occupancy permits and a business license. Thus, short term rentals in the 96 suites is currently illegal, and the company agreed to stop accepting new short term rental reservations.
Carmana Plaza is not willing to cancel existing future short term rental reservations, however.
Vancouver to Legalize Some Short-Term Rentals
The city is developing a policy framework to legalize some short term rentals, with “the goal of enabling people who want to live and work in Vancouver to rent their principal residence in the short term, while also putting measures in place to protect the long-term rental stock.”
Residents Encouraged to Report Short Term Rental Violations on 3-1-1 System
Vancouver residents are encouraged to call 311 if they suspect illegal short term rentals and should be prepared to provide an address and evidence of the activity.
Read the original notice on the city of Vancouver’s website.