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A trio of short-term rental hosts in Vancouver found violating city bylaws fought city hall recently … and all three lost.

The loss came at the city’s first business licence hearings for operators of short-term rentals since licensing rules came into force for services like Airbnb, through which homeowners rent spaces to visitors.

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The minutes of last month’s hearings provide some insight into the issues city inspectors are finding in this emerging area.

Since Vancouver’s bylaw came into effect last September, 64 short-term rental licences have been suspended until they come into compliance. But the three former hosts at the July hearing were the first, and so far only, ones to appeal their suspensions.

Business licence hearings — which generally happen just a few times a year — can take place when a business owner appeals a city inspector’s decision on suspension or refusal of a licence. The matter is heard and decided by a panel of three city councillors.