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Bed and breakfasts already have to comply with health and safety rules and are worried about the prospect of any new municipal regulations. (file photo)
B&B operators are concerned that efforts to tighten regulations for short-term rental accommodation could hurt their business.
In November, Motel owners demanded the national regulation of Airbnbsor short-term rental housing, which they said contributed to the shortage of long-term rentals.
They also called on regulators, at the national level, to ensure that properties met quality and safety standards, and possibly the commercial rates paid.
Members of the Bed & Breakfast Association should not be confused with Airbnb operators, association president Donna Brooke said. Bed and breakfast members usually hosted guests in their homes.
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Brooke called on councils to “ensure they don’t inadvertently harm the many high-quality B&Bs that bring valuable visitors to their communities” in their efforts to exert more control over non-hosted accommodation providers.
Amanda Horak and Mike Savill have closed Heights House, their Nelson bed and breakfast, because of the pandemic, and said they likely won’t reopen for a year or two due to other commitments.
If the council demanded further regulation, they would shut down permanently, Horak said.
“We wouldn’t. If we have to go through all that stuff, we’re not going to do it again,” she said.
“We’re not going to go through all that bullshit to get two bedrooms. I mean, we’re talking about two rooms. It’s not like we’re doing a whole bunch of plays here.
Ah House Nelson City B&B owner Mark Alderson said he “wouldn’t be happy” if it were subject to additional regulation.
“We pay taxes on the profits we make, we do our part. I think we are doing enough and we certainly don’t want to do any more.
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The Flowerpot Bay lodge is one of the most remote places in the country.
If, for example, the board required them to have consent for resources, that would “certainly have an impact.”
“It’s a huge worry because it’s been a tough time for everyone. Hospitality at all levels and other industries are struggling…with visitor numbers and staffing issues.
Provided
Donna Brooke, President of the Bed and Breakfast Association.
Brooke said the B&B sector has attracted “high value” visitors which Tourism Minister Stuart Nash said he wanted for New Zealand, and was just beginning to recover after a difficult few years of not being able to welcome international visitors.
Confusion around the Airbnb booking platform was “frustrating” for professionally run bed and breakfasts, she said.
Airbnb did not represent the hosted accommodation industry – it was more of a booking platform.
“Hosted B&Bs are not contributing to the rental housing shortage. The B&B Association works with its members to have each property assessed for quality and has its own rigorous assessment program.”
“All applicable health and safety protocols are being followed by our members, who must comply with council regulations regarding the number of guests they can accommodate and food safety rules.”
The industry took pride in the quality of service it provided, and this was reflected in the “rave reviews” many of their bed and breakfasts received, she said.
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