Editor:
So, a couple in Tsawwassen, who own three homes in Greater Vancouver and run AirBnB’s (Optimist, March 28) are asking for the provincial government to change the rules for them? They don’t get it.
They have been running a hotel/rooming house business in a residential neighbourhood for years. Delta has never had any rules or regulations about short-term rentals unlike the City of Vancouver, so they didn’t even need to get a license or inspection.
Before COVID-19 hit I googled “airbnb Ladner” and was shocked by how many were in my immediate neighbourhood, including several entire houses that were rented 365 days a year. No one lived there. It was a pure investment/hotel business. Some of the entire homes (that were airbnb) near me changed hands during the pandemic and I am happy to see they are lived in by owners or long-term renters now. I personally don’t want a “hotel” next door to me.
This type of business has eroded the rental market for folks who live and work in our community. This is a global issue and many cities around the world have enacted laws banning or controlling short-term rentals because of the negative effects on locals.
This couple, who are very fortunate to own three homes have many options. We don’t need to feel sorry for them.
Martha Cheney
