Short-term rentals
Before you apply
Definition of a short term rental
A short term rental is defined as the business of providing temporary accommodation for compensation, in a dwelling unit or portion of a dwelling unit for periods of up to 30 consecutive days. Businesses that have been issued a permit for a bed and breakfast are not classified as short term rentals.
Useful guides
The good host guide was developed to provide hosts with an overview of regulations and processes, including tips and a checklist. The good guest guide was developed to provide knowledge on expectations, accommodation practices and support through booking to stay.
What are the rules and regulations?
Short term rentals in secondary suites
A secondary suite is a self-contained dwelling unit within principal residences or in backyards. They have separate living, cooking, sleeping, and bathroom facilities. Some hosts may choose to rent a secondary or backyard suite as a short term rental. In this case, the suite must meet the requirements for a legal secondary suite. If being used as a short term rental, the host must have a short term rental licence. For more information, visit on secondary suites Calgary.ca/suites.
Please note that secondary suites are not permitted within a dwelling unit that operates as a lodging house.
Regulations
Short term rental hosts need to be aware of the following regulations under the Business Licence Bylaw:
| Regulation type | Description | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
|
Egress |
A host cannot rent a room that does not have one or more egress windows. (Multi-storied apartment/condo buildings have existing fire safety standards and do not need egress windows.) Other regulations: Egress in a multi-storied building, such as an apartment building or apartment style condominium, is regulated under the Fire codes and standards.
|
Ensure the safety of guests in the event of a fire or other incident where a guest would have to evacuate. |
|
Maximum number of guests |
A host cannot allow more than two adults, not including minors, per room. As the definition of short term rental in the bylaw is 30 days or less, longer term stays are not covered in the bylaw. Other regulations: Fire codes and standards |
Ensuring the safety of guests and neighbors by addressing overcrowding issues. |
|
Overlapping bookings |
A host cannot allow overlapping bookings of two or more bookings for the dwelling at the same time. This means an host cannot rent out separate rooms to separate guests under separate reservations but can rent out multiple rooms as part of one guest reservation. |
Ensure consumer protection of guests and transparency between host and guest while reducing community impacts. |
|
Advertising |
A host must include the business licence number in any advertising for the short term rental. | Discouraged unlicensed hosts and advise guests that properties require a business licence in Calgary. |
|
Emergency contact |
A host must post the name, phone number and email address (in a conspicuous location) of an emergency contact person who can be reached 24 hours a day. An emergency contact template is available here |
Ensure guests and enforcement authorities can address issues if they arise. |
|
Guest record |
A host must keep a record in English and in an electronic form that is satisfactory to the Chief Licence Inspector. Hosts must keep permanent records for each transaction and provide it to the Inspector upon demand. The record must include:
|
Ensure transparency of hosts for guests and the Chief Licence Inspector. |
Fines for Non-compliance
The City’s approach is to achieve voluntary compliance for bylaws whenever possible. This means we will work with hosts when possible to ensure they are complying with the bylaw. Failing to abide by the regulations can result in a $1,000 fine for each of the following offenses upon conviction:
| Offense | Section of the bylaw |
|---|---|
| Offer a room without a window | 58.1(4)(a) |
| Permit guests to sleep in a room without a window | 58.1(4)(b) |
| Allow more than 2 adults per room | 58.1(5) |
| Overlapping bookings | 58.1(6) |
| Fail to include licence number on advertisement | 58.1(7) |
| Fail to post emergency contact information | 58.1(8) |
| Fail to keep record | 58.1(9) |
| Fail to provide records on demand | 58.1(10) |
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Short-Term Rental Study: What We Heard Reports
Thank you for sharing your feedback to support Calgary's Short-Term Rental Study. The Phase 1 and Phase 2 What We Heard Reports are available now.
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Improving short term rental impact to condo boards
November 29, 2023Hear from The City’s Licensing teams as they discuss the evolving licensing requirements that affect the short-term rental industry. Stay up to date on how you can stay compliant and succeed in this dynamic market.
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Are you a short-term rental host?
Download our poster to place in your property for guests to access and download the Good Guide Guest!
Unleash the power of exceptional guest etiquette with the Good Guest Guide.
Overview of the regulations
Short Term Rental - Tier 1
| Licence category | Short Term Rental - Tier 1 |
|---|---|
|
Number of Bookings |
1 |
|
Number of Rooms |
1-4 |
|
Number of Occupants |
1-8 (Not including minors under age of 12) |
|
Property Requirement |
Primary/Secondary |
|
Consecutive Days |
30 or less |
|
Business Licence Cost |
$100 |
|
Fire Inspection Cost |
$110 |
|
AHS Inspection Cost |
N/A |
|
Total Cost |
$210 |
Short Term Rental - Tier 2
| Licence category | Short Term Rental - Tier 2 |
|---|---|
|
Number of Bookings |
1 |
|
Number of Rooms |
5+ |
|
Number of Occupants |
9+ (Not including minors under age of 12) |
|
Property Requirement |
Primary/Secondary |
|
Consecutive Days |
30 or less |
|
Business Licence Cost |
$172 |
|
Fire Inspection Cost |
$110 |
|
AHS Inspection Cost |
N/A |
|
Total Cost |
$282 |
How much will it cost?
As of February 1, 2020, the Business Licence Bylaw includes a two-tiered business licence category for short term rental hosts. All hosts must have a separate short term business licence for each property they rent out.
Effective April 11, 2024, all licensees (Tier 1 and Tier 2) are required to undergo a fire inspection for their short-term rental property before the business licence will be issued. Annual fire inspections done by Calgary Fire Department may be required for Short Term Rental Licences being renewed.
| Tier | Room | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 1 to 4 rooms offered for rent | $100 per property plus the cost of a fire inspection of $110 per property |
| Tier 2 | 5 or more rooms offered for rent | $172 per property plus the cost of a fire inspection of $110 per property |
How long will it take?
Timelines indicated are not a guarantee and depend on volumes, application completeness, and the applicant’s timely replies to additional information requests from the City.
Review information on timelines and the approvals process.
How to prepare your application
Once you know how and where your business will operate, you’re ready to apply.
For a smooth application, make sure you know the following information:
- Business Activities
- Location of Business
- Fee payment at the time of application*
- Ownership
- Name of Business
- Contact information for the business and owner
- If you are applying online, a myID account
- Two pieces of government issued identification
Apply
Tips for a smooth application process
Before you apply
Download the checklist and check each application requirement as you prepare to submit your application. Items listed on the checklist are the minimum requirements. We might need more information after we review your application.
Provide all required documents on the checklist, including drawings, supporting material, and any additional forms. If you are not sure if something is required, contact the Planning Services Centre.
Use sample drawings to review what you need to include on your plans
Double check your documents are completed and make sure you have all required items on your plans before you upload them
After you apply
The Planning Services Centre may contact you for more information required for your application. Follow-up on requests for more information as quickly as possible.
Use the Job Access Code (JAC) to check status updates for your application on calgary.ca/vista
- You’ll get a JAC by e-mail after you’ve submitted your application. If you did not receive a JAC number, contact the Planning Services Centre.
- Checking your application’s status using your JAC will provide you with timely updates about the status of your application
What is a complete application?
A complete application means that you have provided all the necessary requirements for our teams to complete their reviews. You should provide everything listed on the complete application requirement list, including plans, supporting documents, and payment.
For more information on the permit application process, please review https://www.calgary.ca/development/permits/process-faq.html
Apply online
To apply online, you need a myID account. Create a myID account.
-
apply.calgary.ca
We’re currently experiencing higher than seasonal application volumes, we apologize for delays. To check the status of your permit, go to vista.calgary.ca and enter in your Job Access Code (JAC) number
Apply in-person
Complete the application form.
Once you have gathered all required documents, you can apply for your permit in person by visiting the Planning Services Centre.
After you apply
How to check the status of your licence
After you submit your application online, you will get a confirmation email with a Job Access Code (JAC).
To track your application and check its status, enter your Job Access Code in Vista.
If you need help or have questions, contact our Planning Services Centre.
What are the required approvals?
Calgary Fire Department Safety Approvals
To learn more about fire safety responsibilities for short term rental owners download the latest information on fire code requirements.
Download and review our Fire Safety Escape Plan
To learn more about fire safety responsibilities for short term rental owners download the latest information on fire code requirements here.
New regulations effective Jan 1, 2024
Calgary City Council approved changes to the Business Licence Bylaw to require a business licence and regulations for short term rental (STR) hosts in Calgary that will come into effect on January 1, 2024.
Comments, complaints and more information
For compliments or complaints regarding short term rentals, call 311, use the app or go to Calgary.ca/311
For more information about business licensing, visit: Calgary.ca/myBusiness and Bylaws related to businesses.
For more on long-term rentals of secondary suites, visit calgary.ca/suites. Or learn more about other housing options, such as lodging housing.
Planning Services Centre
Hours:
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (MT)
Live chat:
calgary.ca/livechat
Call:
403-268-5311
In person:
Planning Services Centre,
3rd floor, Municipal building
800 Macleod Trail SE
Book an eAppointment for in person services at appointment.calgary.ca