The city has recently sent out a letter stating they now require all rental properties to obtain a business license at a cost of $150. This is a taxation increase without merit and is inherently unfair. First off, the city does nothing in return for the license-they do not have jurisdiction over ensuring rental properties are safe or meet minimum requirements. They do not advertise rentals available, nor provide managerial or custodial duties. They provide no landlord suitability screening so that renters can have an idea of who they are renting from. Does the landlord have a history of substance abuse, a criminal record perhaps involving crimes against women or children? The city has no involvement in landlord /tenancy disputes. Usually in return for a license or tax imposed by a city you get a service in return-where is the service in this regard?
The license requirement is also unfair as I mentioned, in that persons having income-producing rental suites within their homes need not obtain the license. They could make far more income from renting out several rooms in their home than one might make renting an entire house, but because it is not a stand-alone property they need not obtain a license. Is that fair? It would be interesting to know if a commercial business which may rent out space within their premises is also required to obtain the license or not.
This appears to be another cash grab by the city and no matter how you look at it, it is taxation without representation. Cities have been given the power within their charters to impose fees at their discretion. This is one fee the city needs to rethink.
Willliam Thompson
Prince George
