The city of Montreal and housing advocates say Quebec isn’t enforcing its short-term rentals rules strongly enough. One brand new building in Montreal has become a flashpoint for the issue, targeted with anti-Airbnb graffiti.

Downtown Montreal

A new building in Montreal has come under the spotlight due to being marked with anti-Airbnb graffiti, highlighting the tension surrounding the city's short-term rental properties. The issue roots from concerns expressed by the city of Montreal and housing advocates, who argue that Quebec is not adequately enforcing its regulations on short-term rentals. This act of vandalism underscores the ongoing debate and struggle for tighter control over platforms like Airbnb in the area, signaling a clash between housing policies and the burgeoning short-term rental market.



Vandals target Airbnbs as advocates push for crackdown 

For months, city inspectors have been cracking down on illegal Airbnbs. Now new details on the results of that effort. Since August, the task force has carried out 394 inspections, shut down one illegal Airbnb and written up 42 tickets for fines between $1,000 and $4,000. The city is sharing this information with Quebec's Revenue Agency, which has the power to fine hosts up to $50,000. But it says the province is not following up with them. It wants more information to hold lawbreakers accountable. The government of Quebec, Revenu Québec and Ministère du Tourisme has to do their part to make sure that their laws are respected also. It's been almost a year since seven people were killed in a fire at a building in Old Montreal that had several illegal Airbnbs inside. That sparked a flurry of new legislation to curb illicit short-term rentals. But housing groups say it's still a problem. This brand new building was splattered with anti-Airbnb graffiti. CBC News confirmed with Airbnb there are short-term rentals here. The borough says only three units have a permit. This housing advocate who organized the protest outside says he wants to see a total ban. The community here are really angry because this new building could have been used for housing, but instead it's used for tourists. Montreal does allow short-term rentals for those who are renting out their primary residences. But the city says it cannot prove that without Quebec's help. The province says it's up to municipalities to apply their bylaws. And that it's doubled its resources to tackle the issue. Why bother having this whole provincial registration system if they're not going to use that information to help enforce local rules. In a statement, Airbnb said it is following Quebec's rules, but no other jurisdiction has a system as cumbersome. Jennifer Yoon, CBC News, Montreal.

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