A British Columbia condo owner has been ordered to cease listing their unit on Airbnb and has been fined $2,000 after a dispute with their strata council.
According to the strata council, the owner had been renting out their unit on the popular short-term rental platform without obtaining the necessary permission from the council. The council had previously sent a letter to the owner, reminding them of the bylaws that prohibit short-term rentals in the building.
Despite the warning, the owner continued to list their unit on Airbnb, prompting the strata council to take legal action. The council argued that the owner’s actions were not only a violation of the bylaws, but also posed a safety risk to other residents in the building.
In a ruling by the Civil Resolution Tribunal, the owner was ordered to stop listing their unit on Airbnb and to pay a fine of $2,000 for violating the bylaws. The tribunal also noted that the owner had not provided any evidence to support their claim that they had obtained permission from the strata council to rent out their unit.
This case serves as a reminder to condo owners and tenants that they must adhere to the bylaws set by their strata council. Short-term rentals, such as those on Airbnb, are becoming increasingly popular, but it is important to obtain permission from the strata council before engaging in such activities.
The strata council has the responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents in the building, and unauthorized short-term rentals can pose a risk to this. It is also important for owners and tenants to be aware of the bylaws in their building and to follow them accordingly.
This ruling by the Civil Resolution Tribunal sets a precedent for future cases involving unauthorized short-term rentals in strata buildings. It is a reminder that the bylaws are in place for a reason and must be respected by all residents.
In conclusion, the owner of the B.C. condo has been ordered to stop listing their unit on Airbnb and has been fined $2,000 for violating the bylaws set by the strata council. This serves as a reminder to all condo owners and tenants to adhere to the bylaws and obtain permission before engaging in short-term rentals.
