Short-term rental business licence changes
On June 6, 2023 Calgary City Council approved bylaw changes to the requirements for short-term rental business licences. Changes will come into effect on January 1, 2024 and will apply to new and renewing short-term rental licences.
The changes to the business licence requirements strengthens the accountability of short-term rental hosts and property owners, reduces negative impacts on the community and enhances the safety of guests. The bylaw changes reflect The City’s commitment to creating a fair and sustainable environment for all residents, visitors and businesses.
To download the Short Term Rental Business Licence Application Requirement List click here.
Key changes
All current and prospective short-term rental hosts are required to have a business licence to provide temporary accommodation for compensation.
Key changes taking effect in January 2024 to the business licence requirements include:
- Provide a fire safety plan of the rental unit or portion including:
- All accessible rooms and floors for renters, including bedrooms and sleeping areas (living rooms with a fold out couch).
- Location of smoke alarms and fire extinguishers, and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Fire exit locations.
- Submit proof of ownership or owner consent, validated through a title search conducted by The City or provided Land Title at application.
- For condos, written approval from the condo board for Short Term Rental, sealed by the Condo Board.
- Proof of insurance indicating coverage for home sharing or Short Term Rentals:
- Indicating that the property is insured for home sharing.
- The Short Term Rental Licence owner (applicant) must be the insurance policy holder.
- If the applicant is a property management company, they must provide their liability insurance.
- Insurance must be issued by a registered insurer in Alberta with a minimum liability of $2 million.
- Click here for a list of approved companies.
- Review insurance documents to ensure compliance and satisfies the specified requirements. This information might be outlined separately by your insurance company or within your insurance coverage documentation.
Additionally;
- Licence Inspector review
- Annual fire inspections done by Calgary Fire Department may be required to ensure compliance with all life safety requirements.
The bylaw changes reflect The City's commitment to creating a fair and sustainable environment for all residents, visitors and businesses. These amendments aim to strike a balance between enabling the economic benefits for short-term rentals and minimize the negative impacts on the community.
Further details regarding the changes are provided below:
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Greater accountability
The licence applications will require proof of property owner's consent for short-term rental to be offered to guests for compensation.
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Enhanced safety
Rentals must include a fire safety plan, fire inspection to ensure safety standards are met and to validate allowable guests, and proof of liability insurance coverage for the property.
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Improved community impact
The new requirements will include a review of the property to improve the impact on the neighbours. Reviews will ensure the property is being operated in a manner that does not disturb the peace of any other individual.
How can you prepare?
For short-term rental property hosts, below are a list of steps you can take to prepare before the changes to short-term rental licensing take place:
- Get familiar with application requirements.
- Double check you have all the required documents (floor plans, proof of insurance, letter(s) of authorization) and submit a complete application to move through the business approvals with ease.
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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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Navigating the latest business licence requirements for short term rentals
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.
Apply for a business licence to operate your short-term rental
Once you have gathered all required documents, you can apply for your licence online at or in-person at the Planning Service Centre (800 Macleod Trail S.E.).
If you have questions about short-term rental licensing contact the Planning Service Centre to connect with a member of our planning team before you apply. All applicants will be assigned a Business Experience Representative, who will work with you through the regulatory process.