Short-term rental business licence changes in effect

Changes making short-term rental practices in Calgary safer are now in effect. As of Jan. 1, 2024, Council’s approved amendments to the Business Licence Bylaw governing short-term rental business licences are aimed at bolstering accountability, ensuring safety and fostering a positive community impact. These revisions represent a step forward in our commitment to responsible short-term rental practices. These changes, approved by Council last June, are applicable to both new applicants and renewing hosts and operators.

“The bylaw changes reflect our commitment to creating a fair and sustainable operating environment for all residents, visitors and businesses,” says Ulrik Seward, Manager of Business and Building Safety Approvals. “These amendments aim to strike a balance between enabling the economic benefits for short-term rentals and minimize the negative impacts on the community.”

All current and prospective short-term rental hosts are required to have a business licence to provide temporary accommodation for compensation. Key changes to the business licence application include:

·       Proof of the property owner’s consent, and if located in a condo, proof of the condominium board’s consent, for the short term rental to be offered to guests for compensation

·       A fire safety plan, which includes the floor plan required to be posted inside the short-term rental

·       A fire inspection to ensure safety standards are met and to validate the allowable number of guests

·       Proof of liability insurance coverage for the short-term rental

·       A review of the property for prior concerns

We have launched several awareness campaigns to inform short-term rental hosts and guests of the enhanced licence approval and to promote the respectful behaviour and best practices expected of hosts and guests.

For more information, visit Calgary.ca/webinar to watch recorded webinars on navigating the new business licence requirements for short-term rentals, as well as how to improve short-term rental impacts to condo boards. Hosts and guests are also encouraged to download the updated Good Host and Good Guest Guides here.

In collaboration with the University of Calgary, researchers launched a two-part public engagement on short-term rentals in 2023. This initiative is one component of a multi-year research project aimed at developing an evidence-based policy framework for short-term rentals that is adaptable to market conditions. The final report and recommendations to Council will be made December 2024. Participation

in this study will provide important information and insight to the University’s research team regarding the dynamics and nuances of Calgary’s short term rental market, its impacts, challenges and potential.  

To learn more about short-term rentals in Calgary visit Calgary.ca/str. Have questions about short-term rental licensing? Contact the Planning Service Centre to connect with a member of our planning team before you apply.

-30-

About The City of Calgary’s short-term rentals:
Originally introduced in January 2020, short-term rental licensing aims to regulate and ensure compliance for local bylaws and safety codes.