May want to seek out legal council considering he carries a mortgage. 

Don't look only at the current laws and restrictions but also find out if there are any proposals or hearings pending in the city council or county supervisors. 

——- I could see it happening in Philadelphia, where the new progressive city council has their eyes on housing and tenants rights.

Don't get me wrong I am happy to ride that wave for as long as it lasts and hopefully it will be forever, but the reality is that is what it is for most of us.Of course in my experience with council/zoning meetings the irony of this kind of thing is that it is often the "don't tread on me" types that are in favor of STR restrictions because the idea of a "transient" population in their living area terrifies them.

So, I am looking at a multifamily home in British Columbia.

I've done some reading and seen things like"Common council unanimously passes rental safety verification program"https://www.abc57.com/news/com...But I've also seen"New Indiana law strips cities of power to regulate rental properties"https://wsbt.com/news/local/ne...What is exactly is the current situation? 

I always think of the old British gentlemen’s lounge.

I personally have never been involved in the rezoning of a building in Chicago.However, a Google search helped me find this City of Chicago website about the process of amending the zoning of a building in Chicago: City of Chicago :: Zoning AmendmentFrankly it doesn't look like there is a fast way to complete the process before purchasing the subject property.It looks like you will need the approval of the City Council of Chicago and therefore it might be a good idea at some point to reach out to the Alderman for support.More specifically, it will be a good idea to hire an attorney to represent you who has experience dealing with the Chicago zoning board and local politicians.Therefore, a price reduction could/should be requested.Good luck

Here is a list of due diligence item I use on my MHP investments:Check zoning and permitting compliance (city zoning)Check local law compliance (with Sherriff and/or Police)Search City Council minutes for any adverse mentionsCheck with State Department of Public Health's Division of Community Environmental Protection (CEP) for compliance violationsCheck with property neighbors for any disputes or pending legal actions Water - Check with water provider for any open or recent issuesSewer - Check with Sewer provider for any open or recent issues or complaintsElectricity - Check with electricity provider for any open or recent issues Rent roll with space number, name of resident, move-in date, renter or owner occupied, number of occupants, monthly rent, additional charges, current balance due and any relevant notes about the residentList of capital expenditures for the last 3 yearsGet last 2 years of Profit and Loss statementsGet last 2 years of Tax Returns for the LLC/Park12 months of Bank Statements for the LLC/ParkCurrent Accounts receivable statementsBuild proforma for next 5 years using rent roll and expensesGet owed taxes to City/County/Local govGet Insurance Quote of commercial liability insurance2 years of utility billsProperty Tax bills for last 2 years List of park owned home including copies of “rent to own” or sales contractsGet list of vendors and contract status for each vendorTalk with on-site property manager regarding issuesConduct Onsite Property Visit with property managerSpreadsheet detailing who pays all utilities including water, sewer, gas, electric, trash, cable, etc.

I would not rely on someone’s presumption - council member or otherwise.