N.L. latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs [Video]

Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.

Operators of short-term rentals, like Airbnbs, have until June 30 to register with the provincial government or face being removed from the online platforms, according to the provincial department of tourism, culture, arts and recreation.

Amendments passed Friday extend the requirement to homeowners who list their own houses for short-term rental.

Deborah Bourden, chair of Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador, says the new regulations will help level the playing field between short-term rentals and bigger, established players.

She said all accommodations must now follow the same set of rules on fire safety and insurance coverage.

“We had to figure out as an industry, how do we put our arms around this whole new type of accommodation?” she said Monday. “The …