Editor:
I am pleased to see the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) is looking to tighten the short-term rental bylaws (Coast Reporter, Feb. 10). I have been the victim of an Airbnb knowingly operated outside SCRD bylaws by absentee owners. (Excessive noise/rowdiness by large groups of renters.)
I agree with the recommendation to increase the penalty from $100 to $500, but would urge the SCRD to also consider increasing fines for repeat offenders. Perhaps the penalty should also cover the cost of enforcement?
Although many Airbnbs may operate within the bylaws, my experience has been that owners receiving hundreds of dollars rent per night will continue to operate illegally until it becomes uneconomical to do so. Of course, unless SCRD has the necessary means of enforcement, no bylaw will be effective.
T. Smurthwaite, Halfmoon Bay
