Montreal has established new rules that will limit most of the short -term rentals to the summer months in an attempt to relieve the scarcity of affordable housing in the city.
Under a new statute adopted on Tuesday, rentals through sites such as Airbnb will be allowed throughout the city between June 10 and September 10. The rest of the year will only be allowed in registered units within a small area allowed by the city.
Alia Hassan-Cournol, a councilor of the city of Projé Montreal responsible for economic development, said the changes will make more apartments available to tenants in the long term, and that hotels can replace the option to rent an Airbnb.
The city will monitor the impact of the statute and make changes if necessary, he said.
Montreal has fought To handle the short -term rentals, despite the attempts to further limit illegal rentals after a fatal fire in the old Montreal in 2023.
Seven people died in the fire that exploded in a building that was mainly used for short -term rentals in Montreal. Criminal investigation and a civil case are underway. Quebec’s coroner is also ready to conduct investigation.
According to the city, more than half of approximately 4,000 units currently available in the short -term rental market are illegal. Therefore, the changes could release 2,000 units to the long -term rental market.
Previously, it depended on the inspectors to gather evidence and present a case against the owner of a property, who was supposed to be innocent. Now, similar to traffic crimes, owners will have to dispute fines.
Inspectors may issue fines of $ 1,000 directly to criminals for each day that the rules are broken. Additional fines of $ 2,000 can also be issued for each day of recidivism.
Airbnb calls move ‘myopic’
In a statement, Alex Howell, representative of Airbnb Canada, described the proposal “Extreme and Miope” and said he would damage “the” industries that depend on tourism throughout the year such as retail trade, restaurants and other small businesses. “
Airbnb rejected an interview application.
David Wachsmuth, professor of urban planning at McGill University, said the changes will facilitate the city to enforce the rules as long as it does not “completely destroy” the short -term rental market, which is more busy during the summer.
“If someone is operating an Airbnb in Montreal in February, the city knows without a single inspection that is illegal. That will make the application much easier,” he said.
Julien Henault-Ratelle, Housing Critic of the Montreal team, said that the new rules should also include an exemption during the winter months, from December 15 to March 15.
“We see that it is necessary in terms of having access to a short -term rental during this period,” he said.
