New short-term residential rental rules are about to take effect in Halifax.

Starting Friday, short-term rentals of vacant homes, apartments and condos will only be permitted in commercial zones under a new bylaw. Rental units in residential zones may only occur in a host’s main residence.

In commercial zones, short-term rentals for 28 days or less are not affected. Therefore, bed and breakfasts, AirBnBs and homes near hotels and other tourist venues can still offer short-term rentals.

Mike Petrosoniak, whose family owns a suburban rental home, told Global News that he’s frustrated by the new bylaw.

“Right now, it seems more of a blanket ban than anything, on the industry,” he said.

However, the region’s council has directed staff to explore ways that rules may be adapted for short-term rental operators in rural areas, a municipality spokeswoman told Global.

Photo Credit: NovaScotia.com