Re: “Airbnb offers lifeline to beleaguered renters,” Aug. 13.
Your article “Airbnb offers lifeline to beleaguered renters” condones and recommends illegal and unethical practices.
Provincial and strata bylaws disallow occupants who are not legal tenants. It is not legal for tenants to provide occupancy without the landlords’ knowledge and agreement.
The delinquent practice can result in hundreds of dollars of weekly fines by the strata council. Repair and maintenance costs skyrocket to unreasonable levels due to high turnover and increased wear and tear. Careless occupants can garner damages in the range of hundreds of thousands of dollars. A lien can be placed against the property leading to its loss by the owner.
Do not forget the nuisance caused to other residents of the building. Factor in a multitude of lawsuits due to the careless, inconsiderate and unruly behaviour of those who perpetrate this practice. Oh, there is the possible collateral damage of stripping the owners of the results of their lifetime work, or their entire livelihood.
If anyone is beleaguered here, it is the landlord.
Cynthia Mason, Vancouver
