Canadians living in urban areas are most likely to back laws restricting the use of homes for short-term rentals.
While those in rural areas tend to be unsure of whether regulation is required, urban residents are more concerned about the effects of services such as Airbnb on their local housing markets.
A report from the Angus Reid Institute shows that 45% of those surveyed said there should be limits on the use of primary residences for short-term rentals, 26% do not agree, and 30% aren’t sure.
Toronto and Vancouver have already taken action to limit the share of housing stock used for short-term rentals, but the poll highlights support for similar measures in other cities.
Not that Canadians are against Airbnb, with 50% expressing a positive opinion, up from 35% in 2016 when Angus Reid last asked about this topic (although 21% have a negative opinion, up from 15% two years ago.)
Older Canadians are less familiar with the service and are more likely to say that it (and other short-term rental services) should be regulated in line with hotels.
Asked how they would feel if their neighbours rented out their home for short-term periods, 38% said “it’s their property they can do what they want” (down from 44% in 2016); 10% would be happy for them to do so perhaps once a month (up from 8%); 24% said “occasionally” (same as 2016); and 28% said “never” (up from 25%).
