Concerns are rising over a proposed ban on Airbnb rentals in Montreal from September to June, with Tourism Minister Caroline Proulx criticizing Mayor Valérie Plante for mismanaging the housing crisis. While Plante’s administration plans to enforce strict regulations and fines for illegal rentals, Proulx warns that such measures might harm the city’s reputation and safety. Meanwhile, Québec solidaire supports the ban, emphasizing its necessity amid diminishing rental options for residents. A new law mandates registration numbers for short-term rentals, but fraudulent listings persist.
Concerns Over Airbnb Prohibition in Montreal
Tourism Minister Caroline Proulx has voiced her worries regarding the potential negative impact of banning Airbnb rentals across the metropolitan area, with the exception of the summer months. She believes that such a move could tarnish Montreal’s reputation as a tourist destination and accuses Mayor Valérie Plante of deflecting blame for her lack of action on the housing crisis.
New Regulations and Enforcement Measures
According to a report by *Le Journal*, the Plante administration is gearing up to implement stringent measures against illegal tourist accommodations, proposing a ban on Airbnb rentals from September to June. The City of Montreal plans to bolster its inspection efforts, imposing fines on homeowners who list their properties without valid permits during the prohibited months, which will only allow rentals from June 10 to September 10.
Minister Proulx criticized Mayor Plante for not increasing the number of inspectors sooner, suggesting that the ban is not the right approach. After advocating for a new law two years ago to tackle illegal tourist rentals, especially following a tragic fire in Old Montreal that resulted in seven fatalities, she warns that the current strategy could lead to a resurgence of unregulated rentals, undermining the city’s image and putting tourists at risk.
In contrast, Québec solidaire supports the city’s decision, arguing that it addresses the growing prevalence of Airbnb in Quebec, particularly in Montreal, which they believe is depleting the rental stock intended for local residents.
With the recent changes to the law on tourist accommodations effective from September 2023, property owners are now required to display their registration numbers for platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. Unfortunately, reports have surfaced indicating some hosts are using fraudulent numbers. To combat this, a public registry was launched last December to help users verify registration validity.
Minister Proulx expressed satisfaction with the enforcement measures, noting that fines totaling nearly $5 million were issued in the 2023-2024 period. However, this figure is slightly lower than the $5.5 million collected in the previous year, as per data from Revenu Québec.