PHOTO: Airbnb.
Thousands of Auckland homeowners could be hit with big rates rises for renting out their properties on sites such as Airbnb and Bookabach.
Auckland Council says many short-term rental providers are operating as businesses, and ought to be paying commercial rates.
It’s proposing to increase rates for online accommodation providers where the entire residence is let for more than 28 nights a year.
Under the proposal, the owner of the Kaipara View Ecolodge, Sharon Lowdon, would see her rates double.
“I just think it’s a little bit unfair because accommodation providers like we are, we’re not just like hotels. We provide a different service, people come for an experience to be with New Zealanders,” Ms Lowdon said.
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