Opinion: Vancouver’s new $30 rental fee will increase rents in the city

Mark Harmsworth argues Vancouver's new $30 rental unit fee will raise rents, discourage investment, and worsen affordability, urging the city to repeal the policy and pursue market-driven housing solutions. — Mark Harmsworth argues Vancouver’s new $30 rental unit fee will raise rents, discourage investment, and worsen affordability, urging the city to repeal the policy and pursue market-driven housing solutions.

Mark Harmsworth says by rethinking this fee and embracing market-friendly policies, the city can better serve its residents and foster a more equitable housing market

Mark Harmsworth
Washington Policy Center

Vancouver’s City Council recent 4-3 vote to impose a $30 annual fee per rental unit on property owners has sparked heated debate, particularly among housing providers and tenants already grappling with rising costs. Along with the fee, property owners will be required to pay for regular inspections starting in 2027. Proponents of the new fee argue it will fund necessary tenant protections and housing programs but are ignoring the negative economic effects.

The $30 fee, though seemingly modest, adds a direct cost to landlords’ operating budgets. Inspection costs, which can range from $300-$1000 per unit, adds hundreds of dollars per month, which invariably, will be added to the rate the renter pays. In Vancouver, where many property owners manage a small number of units, sometimes just a single unit, every expense has an effect on the bottom line. Property owners, especially single unit owners, typically work with thin profit margins. According to data from the Rental Housing Association of Washington (RHAWA), maintenance, taxes, and insurance already consume a significant portion of rental income.

Studies from the National Apartment Association show that regulatory fees, like those imposed by Vancouver, often lead to rent increases of 1-2% annually. For a $1,500 monthly rental, that’s an additional $15-$30 per month, hitting tenants hardest who can least afford it, low-income households, seniors, and young professionals. The 1-2% doesn’t take into account the additional cost of the required inspections.

The increased fees discourage investment in new rental housing. Developers already face high construction costs, lengthy permitting processes, and restrictive zoning laws. Adding another layer of fees signals to investors that Vancouver is an expensive place to build and operate, potentially stalling projects that could ease the housing crunch.

So, what should Vancouver do?

First, the city must prioritize increasing housing supply. Streamlining permitting processes and reducing regulatory barriers, such as overly restrictive zoning, would encourage developers to build more units.

Second, Vancouver should explore incentives for landlords, like tax credits for maintaining affordable rents or waiving fees for those who commit to long-term leases for low-income tenants.

Finally, the city should reconsider the $30 fee itself and repeal the ordinance.

Vancouver’s housing crisis demands solutions that prioritize affordability and supply, not additional costs that fuel rent hikes. By rethinking this fee and embracing market-friendly policies, the city can better serve its residents and foster a more equitable housing market.

Mark Harmsworth is the director of the Small Business Center at the Washington Policy Center.