With legislation around short-term rentals in B.C. set to change this spring, the Prince George RCMP is urging those who will continue to have short-term rentals to exercise caution when accepting clients.
“We have had instances over the last six to eight months where landlords with short-term rentals have found their clients to be involved in criminal gang activity. It becomes difficult for the landlord to evict these types of clients off the property once they are already in the home and either stay past their contract date or are found to violate the rental terms. The resolution usually requires police involvement at that point,” stated Cpl. Jennifer Cooper.
Some things to keep in mind when accepting a short-term rental agreement are:
Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].
- Does the person have a history with the online platform you are using? If so, is it positive?
- Try doing an internet search of the name they have provided, including Court Services Online.
- Do not accept large sums of cash in payment for the short-term rental contract.
- Be wary of people wanting to pay for one or more months up front, even more so if they offer to pay in cash.
