Strata councils now have the power to fine residents up to $1,000 a day if they breach short-term rental bylaws.
The move comes from the B.C. government in its bid to tackle the proliferation of Airbnb-style rentals and boost the number of long-term rentals in the housing market.
A change to the Strata Property Regulation means that, instead of the previous maximum $200 per week fine, strata corporations can now hit residents not adhering to any short-term rental bylaw with the $1,000 per day maximum.
Currently, strata corporations can pass bylaws that restrict or ban short-term rentals, and fine owners or residents who are not complying.
Short-term rentals have put significant pressure on vacancy rates, rents and home prices in B.C.
Such rentals can also sometimes mean unacceptable levels of noise, damage to common property and security issues in strata communities.
"The new regulations will help define short-term commercial use as a different function than rentals, and provides some very real consequences for the violators," said Tony Gioventu, executive director, Condominium Home Owners Association of B.C.
"For those strata corporations who prohibit short-term use, this is a valuable amendment.
“It will require strata corporations to amend their bylaws at a general meeting to permit the higher penalties, which in turn will provide the strata with a great opportunity to make sure the strata's bylaw complies with provincial legislation."
Selina Robinson, B.C.’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, said her government has “heard the stories of renters losing their homes when units are pulled out of the rental market to be used as short-term rentals.
“With this change, we can ensure there is long-term rental stock for people and families who need them.
“As part of our 30-point plan to improve housing affordability in B.C., we are supporting strata corporations to both deal with the noise and security issues that can sometimes come with short-term rentals, and also preserve rentals for the long term."
The regulation was developed in consultation with representatives from the two major strata stakeholder associations, the Condominium Home Owners Association of B.C. and the Vancouver Island Strata Owners Association (VISOA).
"Short-term rentals are a huge concern to strata corporations," said Sandy Wagner, president of the board of directors, VISOA.
"The wear and tear on the common property, as well as the security concerns caused by a steady stream of unknown occupants are just a few of the reasons why VISOA, on behalf of our members, are pleased to support the proposed amendments to the Strata Property Regulation, which will permit strata corporations to assess fines at a real deterrent level."
The change will take effect on Nov. 30, in order to allow short-term rental hosts time to adjust bookings and comply with a strata's short-term rental bylaws.
