Short-term Rentals

• West Kelowna is a growing tourism destination that could support and be supported by additional tourism accommodations; 
• Short Term Rentals serve a function as "mortgage helpers", and may make home ownership more affordable for some people; and
• Short Term Rentals may be located throughout the community, in a diversity of dwelling types and sizes which makes them an attractive option for a diversity of tourists. 

•  Short Term Rentals may be a source of complaint in a neighbourhood as a result of noise, parking availability, and garbage; 
• Short Term Rentals may be taking place of potential long-term rentals, which support our current and prospective residents;
• West Kelowna has a low rental vacancy rate and high cost of living, which has resulted in a housing and renting affordability challenge; 
• Unregulated Short Term Rentals are not meeting the same health and safety standards or inspections requirements that traditional accommodation providers must meet; 
• Unregulated Short Term Rentals are not regulated, and are therefore not being charged licencing fees, which is a loss of potential cost recovery or profit for the City; and 
• Potential revenue to contribute to tourism marketing and affordable housing programs or projects from an accommodation tax is lost.

The City currently permits B&Bs, which must be located within the operator's home and only within single detached houses. Currently, we do not permit the operation of short-term rentals of an entire home outside of the City's Tourist Commercial Zone (such as Barona Beach or The Cove). Most existing Short Term Rentals are operating in contravention to the City's bylaws. While there may be benefits to having Short Term Rentals operate in the community, a lack of regulations can have negative impacts on the community and bylaw enforcement. The City is currently exploring possibilities for regulation, licensing, and enforcement options for a proposed Short Term Rental program. 

Council has also asked for engagement of stakeholders and the public once the first draft of the program has been developed, prior to Council's initial consideration of the proposed bylaw amendments and the subsequent public hearing. The City will be launching consultation stakeholder and public engagement process later this fall to hear from residents, community stakeholders, accommodation operators, and current short-term rental operators to provide feedback on the proposed regulations.