Hamilton has delayed implementing its new licensing program for short-term rental accommodations such as Airbnb.
Hamilton currently has no licensing requirements for short-term rentals, which refer to places that provide rental accommodations for less than 28 days. The program was supposed to start on June 1.
With soaring rents and an affordable housing crisis in the city, the bylaw was meant to foster more affordable housing and long-term rental options by discouraging investment in properties for short-term rentals, banning commercial operators with multiple properties, and restricting short-term rentals to homeowners who are primary residents. The bylaw also addresses concerns about safety and “nuisance” at Airbnb-style rentals.
It was back in January that the City approved a bylaw to license, regulate and enforce rules surrounding short-term rentals.
However, last month councillors moved to implement a full slate of options around the bylaw in efforts to “halt renovictions,” which has caused the delay.
The new bylaw would prohibit commercial operators from focusing on short-term rentals instead of long-term housing.