The City of Nanaimo is launching a survey to gain feedback on proposed bylaw changes to short-term rentals, and also wants to hear from renters and landlords about finding and maintaining homes for rent.
As part of the city’s Affordable Housing Strategy, which aims to provide “accessible and affordable market rentals” for residents, the city is looking to ensure that short-term rentals like those listed on sites such as VRBO and AirBNB are measured for negative impacts on long-term rental housing supply.
The review also aims to make sure short-term rental operators are good neighbours and that rules and regulations are fair and equitable when compared to other accomodation businesses like hotels.
“The intent of the review is to find the right balance that protects affordable housing and neighbourhoods while still providing opportunities to support the economy and allow a range of short and long-term accommodation within the City.”
Proposed bylaw changes include a variety of regulations, ranging from short-term rentals permitted in all zone types to requiring a businesses licence to operate such rentals.
In places like Victoria, a short-term rental business licence is required before owners can legally operate.
“In addition to the opportunity to provide feedback to the proposed bylaw changes affecting short-term rentals, the City is also conducting surveys to understand existing rental needs, challenges and opportunities in Nanaimo from the perspective of both renters as well as landlords and property managers,” the city said in a statement.
Surveys are currently open to the public on the city website until May 10.
CHEK News
