Victoria business seeks to halt implementation of new short-term rental law in B.C.

Victoria Business Challenges Provincewide Short-Term Rental Restrictions

A Victoria business, Amala Rental Solutions Ltd., is taking a stand against the incoming provincewide restrictions on short-term rentals set to take effect on May 1. The company, which provides hosting services for short-term rentals, is leading a legal petition to invalidate some of the provisions in the new law.

Angela Mason, the owner of Amala Rental Solutions, expressed concerns about the devastating impact the new regulations will have on her business. The Short-Term Rental Accommodation Act aims to return units to the long-term rental market by limiting short-term rentals to a host’s principal residence and one secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit. This means that many of the units Amala serves will become illegal under the new rules.

As a result, Amala has already had to downsize its staff significantly, going from 36 workers to just 10. Mason emphasized the dedication of her employees, some of whom have been with the company for several years.

The legal petition, filed by Amala in collaboration with the West Coast Association for Property Rights, challenges the new regulations on grounds of property rights and potential expropriation without compensation. The provincial government and the City of Victoria are named in the filing, with both entities expected to respond accordingly.

Mason hopes that the petition will protect the units her company serves, owned by individuals who have always followed the rules. If the petition fails, she fears for the future of her business.

With the deadline for the new regulations fast approaching, the outcome of the legal challenge will have significant implications for the short-term rental industry in Victoria.