A house on the 75 hundred block of Railway was listed as a 'Sport Home Hotel' on various travel booking sites such as Booking.com, BedandBreakfast.eu and Agoda, which all cater to European travellers.
The posts show that the 'hotel' has 5 different room types and can accommodate 2-4 guests in each room, with prices from $120 per night.
However, the property is not a licensed bed and breakfast.
The owner of the home, who bought the house in 2015, has never moved in and doesn't hid the fact that the hotel is illegal, but appears not concerned about the consequences. She did not believe that the city would fine her, and has encouraged neighbours to operate their homes as a hotel as well.
The house is usually unsupervised and guests can access it through a keypad on the entrance door.
The city of Richmond issued the home owner a warning letter previously and issued 2 tickets for continuous non-compiance of the city bylaws.
The city has also gathered evidence necessary for further enforcement action if needed and will take 'progressive enforcement action'.
According the city's bylaw, fines related to short term residential rentals are $1,000 per offence.
Posts for 'hotels' are currently still available on those travel website, but all dates are show as 'unavailable'.
To report an illegal hotel in Richmond, call 604-276-4345
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