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.
Key changes
All current and prospective short-term rental hosts are required to have a business licence to provide temporary accommodation for compensation.
- A floor plan of the dwelling unit or portion of the dwelling unit offered must be provided, including:
- All rooms for rent, including all rooms offered as bedrooms or available for the purpose of sleeping (living rooms with a fold out couch for example)
- Location of all smoke alarms and fire extinguishers
- Location of fire exits
- Dimensions of the rooms
- Proof of ownership of the dwelling unit or written owner consent
- If in a condo, also need written proof from the condo board that Short Term Rentals are permitted
- Proof of Insurance indicating the location is operating as a business
- Licence Inspector review
- Annual fire inspections done by Calgary Fire Department will 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.
Upcoming webinars
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November 29, 2023
Navigating the latest business licence requirements for short term rentals
The City of Calgary presents a webinar on the new regulations & licensing requirements for short term rentals coming into effect Jan. 2024
Join us for a live Q&A on everything you need to know about new bylaw changes for short term rentals.
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.
