Guidelines for regulation of short-term rentals released
To address the unintended implications of the growing short-term rental industry, the Alberta Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), in partnership with the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC), has released best practice guidelines for local regulation of short-term rentals.
The paper analyses worldwide regulatory developments and best practice approaches that:
- Minimize the displacement of affordable and accessible housing.
- Minimize community nuisance while protecting public safety and with adherence to municipal bylaws.
- Ensure a level competitive playing field.
- Collect appropriate taxes and tourism levies.
- Enable voluntary compliance while minimizing the administrative burden for hosts, home-renting platforms and governments.
The proposed framework outlines regulatory tools that cities can apply, such as:
- Host registration and fees
- Platform registration and fees
- Principal residence restriction
- Cap on usage
- Health and safety standards
- Reporting requirements
- Taxation/levies
- Enforcement/penalties
The regulatory framework and an executive summary can be downloaded from the HAC website, where more information on the topic can be found. The AHLA office is available to further discuss the issue or to answer any questions about the framework at its toll free number in Alberta: 1-888-436-6112.
