EDMONTON: The City of Edmonton is preparing to impose new regulations on short-term rental properties like Airbnb and Vrbo. This move comes amidst strong opposition from the hotel industry. Although the city has received few complaints about these rental homes, the council has decided to introduce new regulations, citing concerns over tax evasion.
The city also plans to apply the health and safety standards and commercial taxes that are currently applicable to hotels to these short-term rentals. It is expected that the new laws will take about a year to be formulated, an action that disregards a recommendation from municipal officials.
The City of Edmonton also intends to introduce business licenses and commercial taxes for these rentals. In the meantime, municipal councilors have urged the public to report any problematic rental homes.
