Canada

Montreal says it will only allow Airbnbs across city in summer, crack down during rest of year

The City of Montreal is implementing stricter regulations on short-term rentals facilitated by platforms like Airbnb in an effort to combat rising rental prices. Mayor Valérie Plante expressed dissatisfaction with the current provincial regulations, stating that they were ineffective. As a result, Montreal will now only permit short-term rentals between June 10 and September 10 at primary residences throughout the city. Outside of this period, short-term rentals will only be allowed in properly registered units within designated zones.

The city cited difficulties in enforcing the existing rules, with more than half of the approximately 4,000 units available for short-term rental being illegal. These changes are expected to free up around 2,000 units for long-term rentals, potentially alleviating some of the housing shortage in the city.

Under the new framework, property owners will be issued $1,000 fines for each day they violate the regulations, with additional fines of $2,000 for repeat offenders. This shift in responsibility aims to streamline the enforcement process and deter illegal rentals. Mayor Plante emphasized the need for a more efficient system, as previous delays in responding to complaints were deemed unacceptable.

Housing rights advocate Catherine Lussier praised the city’s initiative as a positive step, although she cautioned that it alone would not solve the housing crisis. She emphasized the importance of making affordable housing accessible to low-income residents. Quebec Housing Minister France-Élaine Duranceau supported Montreal’s autonomy in addressing short-term rentals, while also emphasizing the importance of balancing the regulations with the needs of the tourism industry.

However, Airbnb criticized the new rules, claiming that short-term rentals were not a significant factor in the housing shortage. The company’s representative, Alex Howell, argued that the regulations would negatively impact the economy, local businesses, and responsible hosts who rely on additional income. Despite the pushback, Montreal remains steadfast in its efforts to regulate the short-term rental market and address the city’s housing challenges.

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In conclusion, the City of Montreal’s decision to tighten regulations on short-term rentals reflects a proactive approach to managing the housing market and ensuring the well-being of its residents. By prioritizing long-term rental options and cracking down on illegal practices, the city aims to create a more sustainable and equitable housing environment for all.

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