Halifax creating enforcement team for short-term rentals like Airbnbs

Halifax is taking steps to enhance enforcement of regulations for short-term rentals on platforms like Airbnb, as well as simplifying rules to allow more rentals in rural areas of the municipality. The Short-Term Rental Bylaw has been in effect since September 2023, requiring all rentals in Nova Scotia to be registered with the province. Owners must provide proof of compliance with local regulations.

Since September 2024, Halifax has received approximately 1,137 requests for documentation for registering short-term rentals with the province. This process has revealed several non-compliant rentals that were previously unknown. However, issues such as trash accumulation and parking problems persist, prompting the creation of a new compliance team to address these concerns.

The current bylaw stipulates that entire homes or bedrooms can only be rented in residential areas if the owner resides on the property as their primary residence. Exceptions are made for properties in commercial zones. Enforcement has been challenging due to limited resources, with only three bylaw compliance officers for the entire municipality.

To bolster enforcement efforts, Halifax has secured a $300,000 grant from a federal short-term rental enforcement fund. This funding will support the hiring of additional staff, including a planner, compliance officers, and assistant building officials dedicated to short-term rental data analysis and enforcement.

Listings on platforms like Airbnb have decreased from 2,400 to 1,200 since the implementation of the bylaw. Staff are working to determine if the shift in listings has led to an increase in long-term housing stock. Other cities, such as Vancouver, have seen an uptick in long-term rental housing following the implementation of short-term rental regulations.

Changes are also underway to streamline regulations in rural areas and boost tourism. Rural districts in Halifax will now allow one short-term rental per lot without the requirement for owner occupancy. Consultations with African Nova Scotian communities will help tailor regulations to their preferences.

Additionally, discussions are ongoing regarding the rental of secondary suites in urban areas, particularly around universities and colleges. Coun. Laura White has proposed exploring the option of allowing short-term rentals in these units during the summer months while maintaining long-term tenants throughout the year.

Overall, Halifax is committed to ensuring compliance with short-term rental regulations while adapting to the evolving needs of the community. By implementing targeted enforcement measures and streamlining rules, the municipality aims to strike a balance between promoting tourism and preserving long-term housing options.