A group of protesters who are in opposition to the recently implemented ban on short-term rentals has taken to the courts as they hope to sue for damages and have the legislation repealed.
In February, a petition was launched against the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia which called for amendments to be made to the Short-term Rental Accommodations Act for which would allow the operation of lawfully operating short-term rentals.
The petition garnered over 11,600 signatures since that time.
It was launched by the organization, Property Rights Association of British Columbia (PRABC), who have been at the forefront of the backlash the BC government has received over the short-term rental ban.
The ban was implemented in order to ease the burden of the current housing crisis, according to the Province. They said that they would rather see homes being utilized in a long-term fashion as many low to middle income British Columbians struggle to find housing in urban centres.
The PRABC say the legislation infringes on their property-owners’ rights.
Around 300 people, of which many were former operators of Airbnb or Vrbo suites in Victoria, sought legal aid in receiving compensation for their investment properties being banned.
This is what led to the court case which first went before a BC judge on Monday, June 17th in Victoria’s Law Courts.
Those protesting the short-term rental ban want the right to do with their properties as they wish.
Meanwhile, prosecutors argued that this case is an abuse of the legal system and should be thrown out, though their request was shot down.
More to come as court proceedings continue.
