B.C. housing minister tells people not to help 'desperate scammers' with Airbnb fraud
British Columbia's minister of housing says he's shocked and frustrated by an attempt to recruit people to take part in what he calls a fraud to get around new rules about short-term rentals.
Ravi Kahlon shared a screenshot on social media showing a Vancouver-based rental management company offering $500 to people willing to change the address on their driver's licence to match an address it selects, then apply for an Airbnb approval.
That's to skirt new rules coming next year that would allow people to offer short-term accommodation only if it's at their principal residence.
Kahlon says anyone considering the offer needs to understand that the scheme is illegal, and those taking part would find themselves in “a lot of trouble for really no gain.”
He warns people on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, not to assist the “desperate scammers.”
The government introduced legislation last month to limit short-term rentals in many cities in B.C. in an effort to put thousands of units back into the long-term rental pool, with the changes coming into effect in May.
The post from the management company has since been removed and the company's website cannot be viewed, but Kahlon said in an interview on Monday that it raises serious concerns.
“That somebody would go out and suggest for $500 that people put themselves on the line for fraud, it simply doesn't make sense,” said Kahlon.
Although most of the legislation won't be implemented until next year, Kahlon said it's already working, with “a lot more listings going on sale” and more units going into the long-term rental market.
“So, the legislation is already having an impact, a positive impact.” Kahlon said. “I suspect it'll only be more in the new year, when the new principal-residence requirement kicks in.”
Online platforms will be required to share data with the province, something Kahlon said will help crack down on scammers.
Kahlon said local government and the ministries of housing and finance will enforce the new rules.
“Local governments will have information and the platforms themselves will have the responsibility to make sure any listing that goes on their site has the proper authentication, has the proper licenses from the province and local government,” said Kahlon.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 13, 2023.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
A passing comet could shine as bright as Venus. Here are the best viewing times
This eye-catching celestial event is around the corner and will appear in the skies this fall.
Mortgage loan rules are changing in Canada
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland has announced changes to mortgage rules she says are aimed at helping more Canadians to purchase their first home.
Body recovered from B.C. lake after unclothed man leads investigators to crash site
Mounties are investigating a fatal crash north of Whistler, B.C., after an unclothed man who was found along the side of the road led police to a pickup truck submerged in a lake with one occupant still inside.
A pipeline explosion is shooting a towering pillar of flame over a Houston suburb
A massive pipeline fire shooting a towering pillar of flame for hours over suburban Houston on Monday as first responders evacuated a surrounding neighborhood and tried to keep more nearby homes from catching fire.
Man suspected in apparent assassination attempt on Trump charged with federal gun crimes
Ryan Wesley Routh portrayed himself online as a man who built housing for homeless people in Hawaii, tried to recruit fighters for Ukraine to defend itself against Russia, and described his support and then disdain for Donald Trump -- even urging Iran to kill him.
Jane's Addiction cancels tour in the wake of an onstage fight
The alternative rock band Jane's Addiction has scuttled its latest tour following an onstage scuffle between lead singer Perry Farrell and guitarist Dave Navarro.
'Never seen anything like this': Humpback whale catches unsuspecting seal off Vancouver Island
A Vancouver Island nature photographer says he has never seen anything like what his camera captured on a recent whale-watching excursion off Victoria.
Manitoba NDP MLA booted from caucus due to business partner acting as Peter Nygard's lawyer
Manitoba’s NDP government has removed Mark Wasyliw, MLA for Fort Garry, from the party’s caucus after the party discovered his business partner is working as Peter Nygard’s criminal defense lawyer.
Former military leader Haydn Edmundson found not guilty of sexual assault
Former vice-admiral Haydn Edmundson has been found not guilty of sexual assault and committing an indecent act, concluding a trial that began in February.