{March 9, 2011} Early in 2010, Consumer Protection BC sought feedback on the issue of licensing accommodation rentals from various groups within the industry.  Based on these engagement activities and our experience administering BC’s travel regulations, we prepared a Stakeholder Engagement Report which was submitted to the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General for consideration.  In this document, we recommended that Government undertake a limited review of the Travel Industry Regulation under the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act.  You can find a link to that Report here.

We have received a response from Government. You can view their letter to Consumer Protection BC here.   They have confirmed that the spirit and intent of the legislation supports our interpretation and application of the regulations and that businesses arranging short term vacation rentals should continue to be licensed and have the same requirements as other travel licensees, as there is risk of consumer loss if the accommodation is not provided.  

As a result of Government’s decision not to pursue regulation changes, Consumer Protection BC is reviewing our procedures and approach towards obtaining compliance. While we ultimately will pursue a progressive enforcement approach in requiring these businesses to obtain licenses under the Regulation, we are optimistic that we can obtain voluntary compliance through education and awareness of the licensing requirement.

With this in mind, we are developing an information package which will include licensing details and be distributed the members of the industry we are aware of.  This package will also be made available on our website at www.travelrightsbc.ca.

We would like to thank everyone who took the time to meet with us to discuss this matter.