Saskatoon finalizes rules for services like AirBNB

Saskatoon city councillors approved the rules governing operators of AirBNBs and other types of "short-term accommodations" in the city earlier this week.

Councillors did so by approving amendments to two bylaws on Monday.

Under the approved rules, operators of both "short-term rental properties" and "homestays" need togetbusiness licences.

Short-term rental properties are defined as rental spaces outside the home of the owner, such as an apartment or second home. Homestaysrefer to when a guest stays in the residence of a renter.

Discretionary use approval will be required for short-term rental properties in low- and medium-density neighbourhoods.

"Up to sixguests in total may be hosted [in short-term rental properties], with up to three guests hosted in a secondary suite," according to a summary released by the city after city council's approval.

For short-term rental accomodations and homestays within a condo building, the operator needs to obtain permission from the condo corporation.

AirBNB had spoken against that latter rule, calling it "burdensome and unnecessary."

• AirBnb against move that would require condo board letters of permission for hosts