The Nova Scotia government has introduced two bills aimed at short-term rentals but is in no hurry to impose rules on Nova Scotians\u00a0who use popular\u00a0sites such as Airbnb\u00a0or VRBO.<\/p>\n
The province says that while\u00a0the two bills set out some of the changes planned, it will\u00a0take another year to iron out the details.<\/p>\n
Tourism Minister Geoff MacLellan also announced today that the province is scrapping the rules that currently govern hotels, motels and inns, in a move\u00a0designed to appease the traditional accommodations industry.<\/p>\n
“I don’t\u00a0think anyone requires a clock radio be in the room anymore,” he said.<\/p>\n
“Things such as ashtrays and things that are [currently required] in the room, lamps, the number of coat hangers that would be required in a room, distance from the bed to the wall \u2014 these things are all stuff that are obviously redundant.”<\/p>\n
One of the bills introduced today ensures\u00a0any “small-scale residential tourist accommodation” is assessed for property taxes at a residential rate rather than as a business. The other will encourage Nova Scotians\u00a0who rent property to list accommodations online to register with the province.<\/p>\n
What constitutes a “small-scale” accommodation remains to be determined.<\/p>\n
The province also has not decided how much to charge people to register their accommodations. People who rent the home they live in will not have to register.<\/p>\n
MacLellan\u00a0rejected the notion the online rental market might force more traditional businesses into shutting down.<\/p>\n
“I think it’s going to do absolutely the opposite and I trust that’s the case.” he said.<\/p>\n
Alexandra Dagg, public policy director for Airbnb Canada, applauded the provincial government “for recognizing and moving to regulate home sharing through fair, easy-to-follow rules.”<\/p>\n
“The travel industry is transforming, and we are encouraged to see the government modernize their rules to reflect the way people want to travel,” she said in an email.<\/p>\n
“Airbnb tourists can explore more of Nova Scotia than ever before by accessing accommodations outside of traditional tourist areas. They also support local businesses by spending more time, and more money in the neighbourhoods where they stay.”<\/p>\n
The\u00a0\u00a0Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia and the Hotel Association of Nova Scotia also said they were\u00a0pleased with the changes in a statement.<\/p>\n
They go\u00a0“a long way in addressing the proliferation of unregulated accommodation in the province,” said\u00a0Darlene Grant Fiander, president of the tourism association.<\/p>\n
The industry groups noted that tourism is a\u00a0$2.7 billion industry in Nova Scotia, employing more than 40,000 people.<\/p>\n