Welland has a problem with Airbnbs and Lucas Spinosa wants city staff to look at the issue.

Spinosa wanted a bylaw that looked at all licensing and administration related to short term rentals.

He also wanted a public meeting before final council consideration of the bylaw.

Tuesday, a motion by the Ward 3 councillor to ask for the bylaw was sent back to city staff for a report.

"We have a huge problem of Airbnb's where they may not be appropriate," the councillor said.

He spoke about a family who rented a home in the southwest section of the city that are dealing with problems around an Airbnb.

"There are two units in the basement used by Airbnb. The people who rented the home have had their quality of life disturbed.

"This is happening across the city."

Spinosa said there may be places in the city where the short-term rentals are appropriate.

Ward 3 Coun. John Chiocchio wondered how such a bylaw would affect Niagara College students who rent for part of the year around the city.

Travers Fitzpatrick, general manager of infrastructure and development, said Airbnbs differ from student housing and the distinction would be made in any report produced by the city.

He also said public meetings would be held on the issues and information for the public to review.

It was Ward 5 Coun. Graham Speck who asked for Spinosa's motion to be sent back to staff for a report after Ward 2 Coun. David McLeod said all he saw was a request for a bylaw with no report.

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"I was hoping for a report looking at the challenges and how best to deal with this," said McLeod.

Airbnb has numerous Welland locations listed on its site, including everything from single rooms to full apartment and home rentals.