Regulations Governing Short-Term Rentals in Maple Ridge, BC

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Maple Ridge, BC, is a popular destination for travelers seeking comfortable and convenient accommodations. While Airbnb and other short-term rental options are available, hosts and guests need to be aware of the specific regulations governing these rentals in Maple Ridge. In this article, we’ll explore those regulations in detail and also discuss proposed changes to ensure short-term accommodations abide by City bylaws and do not negatively impact surrounding neighborhoods.

Useful link: Short-Term Accommodations | Maple Ridge.

What Are the Current Regulations Governing Short-Term Rentals in Maple Ridge?

Currently, residents are only permitted to use their homes as licensed Bed & Breakfasts. Bed & Breakfasts have been permitted in single detached homes in the City for over 10 years. They are regulated through the Zoning Bylaw and Business Licence Bylaw. Residents must obtain a business licence and meet all BC Building and Fire Code requirements.

In addition, hosts must comply with any strata property rules and regulations if their property is part of a strata. This may include restrictions on the use of common areas or limitations on the number of guests that can stay in a property.

To ensure compliance with these regulations, hosts should register their short-term rental with the city of Maple Ridge, obtain a business license, and comply with all building and fire safety regulations. By doing so, they can avoid penalties and ensure a seamless experience for their guests.

What Is Being Proposed to Ensure Short-Term Accommodations Abide by City Bylaws and Do Not Negatively Impact Surrounding Neighborhoods?

The City of Maple Ridge is proposing changes to the regulations governing short-term rentals to ensure accountability for property owners managing a Short-Term Accommodation (STA). The draft requirements include three key changes:

Must Be Within Someone’s Principal Residence

STAs must be where the property owner(s) live(s) the majority of the year. This would mean STAs are located where owners are invested in the surrounding neighborhood and concerned about the care and maintenance of their property.

Must Have a Business License

STA operators must obtain a business license. This would help ensure operators are educated on City nuisance bylaws and safety requirements while providing the Bylaw Department with the operator’s contact information.

Only One STA Is Permitted per Property

This would help ensure that STAs are properly operated while prioritizing the safety of the neighborhood, guests, and property owner.

Enhanced Application Requirements

As part of the revised protocol, STA owners will be obliged to submit additional documentation at the time of their business license application, which includes:

• Execution of a Signed Good Neighbour Agreement, emphasizing the owner’s commitment to maintaining harmony within the community.
• Provision of Proof of General Liability Insurance, ensuring adequate coverage for any unforeseen incidents.
• Detailed Property Information submission, including the number of bedrooms available for guests, an emergency contact name and number, and the availability of on-site parking facilities.
• In situations involving shared properties, Securing Strata Council Authorization becomes imperative.
• Compliance with any further requests for Additional Information or Documents by the Licence Inspector.

Life Safety Measures

To prioritize guest safety, the following life safety measures are mandatory for all STAs:

• Provision of an Emergency Contact name and number to all guests.
• Strategic Placement of a Fire Safety Plan near all entrances and exits of the STA.
• Installation of Smoke Alarms in every bedroom and on each floor.
• Availability of an Accessible Fire Extinguisher on each level of the property.
• Installation of Carbon Monoxide Detectors on every floor, ensuring a safe environment for guests.

Why Do These Regulations Exist?

The regulations governing short-term rentals in Maple Ridge are designed to ensure that they do not negatively impact the character and livability of the neighborhood. By requiring hosts to obtain a business license and comply with building and fire safety regulations, the city can ensure that short-term rentals are safe and compliant with local laws.

How Can Hosts and Guests Stay Compliant?

To avoid penalties and ensure a positive experience for all involved, hosts and guests should be aware of and comply with the regulations governing short-term rentals in Maple Ridge. 

Here are a few tips to help you stay compliant:

• Register Your Short-Term Rental. Hosts should register their short-term rental with the city of Maple Ridge. This will ensure that they are aware of all applicable laws and regulations and can avoid any potential penalties.
• Get a Business License. Hosts must obtain a business license before listing their property on Airbnb. This license ensures that hosts are following all applicable laws and regulations and that their property is safe and compliant.
• Comply with Building and Fire Safety Regulations. Hosts should ensure that their property complies with all applicable building and fire safety regulations. This includes having smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in the property and ensuring that all electrical and plumbing systems are up to code.
• Respect Strata Property Rules. If a property is part of a strata, hosts should respect the strata property rules and regulations. This may include restrictions on the use of common areas or limitations on the number of guests that can stay in a property.

Conclusion

The regulations governing short-term rentals in Maple Ridge, BC, are designed to ensure that they do not negatively impact the character and livability of the neighborhood. The proposed changes would further ensure accountability for property owners managing a Short-Term Accommodation and help prioritize the safety of the neighborhood, guests, and property owner. Hosts and guests should be aware of these regulations and take steps to ensure compliance to avoid penalties and ensure a positive experience for all involved.

Explore Abbotsford Rules for Airbnb Rentals – Guide for Hosts.

FAQs

What types of short-term rentals are allowed in Maple Ridge?

• Currently, residents are only permitted to use their homes as licensed Bed & Breakfasts.

What are the penalties for non-compliance with the regulations governing short-term rentals in Maple Ridge?

• Penalties can range from warnings and fines to legal action and even the revocation of a business license.

Are there building and fire safety regulations that hosts must comply with in Maple Ridge?

• Yes, hosts must ensure that their property complies with all applicable building and fire safety regulations.

Are hosts required to obtain a business license in Maple Ridge?

• Yes, hosts must obtain a business license before listing their property on Airbnb.

What changes are being proposed to the regulations governing short-term rentals in Maple Ridge?

• The proposed changes include requiring STAs to be within someone’s principal residence, having a business license, and allowing only one STA per property to ensure accountability for property owners managing a Short-Term accommodation and help prioritize the safety of the neighborhood, guests, and property owner.