Airbnb Owners Say Crackdown on Short-Term Rentals Is Impractical, Moving Too Fast

Frank Conci of Penticton, British Columbia, built an addition over the garage of his home and tried renting it out long-term. “After we purposely complied with all the local city building permitting regulations and paying an outrageous annual business license fee, we began renting long-term,” he told The Epoch Times via email. He knew the tenants well, he said, but nonetheless, the suite fell into disrepair within less than three years. “We are not going to do that again. We can’t afford to,” Mr. Conci said. He has been renting it out short-term through Airbnb and has found it much easier to maintain it in “pristine condition.” He enjoys providing a space for tourists who prefer Airbnbs to hotels. Some of the benefits over hotels may include price, especially for longer stays, a more “local” experience with stays available in various neighbourhoods, and a more home-like accommodation....