Open Housing
Illegal Airbnb Detection

Illegal Airbnb Detection

by Rohana Rezel

A project to identify and expose illegal short-term rental listings and regulatory violations in Vancouver.

This initiative leverages data scraping and cross-referencing techniques to match Airbnb listings with official municipal licensing records. By analyzing property addresses and comparing them against public data, the project detects unlicensed or fraudulent short-term rentals. The findings support advocacy for stricter enforcement of rental regulations to safeguard long-term housing availability.

Related Media Appearances

Airbnb Versus Everyone

The Walrus

This article delves into the contentious debate surrounding Airbnb’s impact on communities and local housing markets. It examines how the company’s business model has disrupted traditional rental markets, sparking conflicts with local residents, governments, and housing advocates. The piece discusses the various responses—from regulatory measures to grassroots opposition—highlighting the broader social and economic consequences of Airbnb's rapid expansion.

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Will B.C.'s Short-Term Rental Laws Come Up Short?

Business in Vancouver

This analytical report discusses the new provincial short-term rental regulations and includes commentary from Rohana Rezel. He criticizes aspects of the proposed legislation and highlights ongoing enforcement challenges in Vancouver.

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Airbnb wins Vancouver privacy ruling, as court quashes order to release host data

The Canadian Press

This report details a court ruling affecting the release of Airbnb host data in Vancouver. It includes remarks from housing activist Rohana Rezel, who argues that transparency is crucial to understanding the impact of short-term rentals on the local housing market.

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Are Canadian Politicians Conflicted on Affordable Housing?

Squamish Chief

This article explores whether British Columbia’s new short-term rental regulations will effectively address the housing crisis. It critically examines the proposed measures, their enforcement challenges, and potential unintended impacts on local rental markets, drawing on expert opinions and insights from housing advocates.

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Airbnb Challenges Ruling to Disclose Short-Term Rental Data to Vancouver Housing Activist

North Shore News

This piece reports on Airbnb’s legal challenge to a ruling that would have forced the disclosure of short-term rental host information to housing activist Rohana Rezel. The article discusses concerns over privacy and the potential for misuse of the data.

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Why This Vancouver Legal Battle Could Pull Back the Curtain on a Problem With The Housing Market

The Toronto Star

This article examines a pivotal legal battle in Vancouver that could expose systemic issues within the city’s housing market. It discusses how the litigation may force a closer look at opaque practices in real estate data disclosure and regulatory enforcement, shedding light on broader problems such as short-term rental abuses and the concentration of property ownership. Housing advocates argue that the outcome of this case could spur much-needed policy reform and increase transparency, ultimately benefiting residents affected by the housing affordability crisis.

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BCIT Investigates: Airbnb’s Role in Vancouver’s Housing Crisis

BCIT News

This investigative report examines how short-term rentals are affecting rental prices and housing availability in Vancouver. Housing activist Rohana Rezel is cited as a local expert on the impact of platforms like Airbnb.

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Vancouver Short-Term Rentals

CBC News

This CBC article examines the rising impact of short-term rental platforms in Vancouver, discussing challenges related to housing affordability, neighborhood stability, and regulatory responses. The report highlights ongoing debates among policymakers, housing advocates, and industry stakeholders as they seek solutions to mitigate the unintended consequences of an expanding short-term rental market.

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Richmond housing is a gold mine for big Airbnb players — some live abroad

Richmond News

This piece explores how Richmond’s housing market is attracting major Airbnb investors, including overseas buyers. It discusses the impact of this trend on local housing affordability and includes insights from housing experts such as Rohana Rezel on the broader implications for the community.

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Vancouver's unofficial Airbnb watchdog says he's found 100s of bylaw violations

CityNews

In this article, Vancouver's unofficial Airbnb watchdog, Rohana Rezel, discusses his findings of hundreds of bylaw violations related to short-term rentals in the city, shedding light on gaps in regulation and enforcement.

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