Both the City of Edmonton and City of Calgary have proposed bylaws about the licencing of short-term rentals.
This page provides information on short-term rentals in Edmonton and Calgary only. If you have a question about short-term rentals outside of Edmonton or Calgary, contact your local municipality.
Short-term rentals in Edmonton
What is a short-term rental in Edmonton?
A short-term rental is rental accommodation in a private residence that lasts for 30 consecutive days or less. A person can rent a portion or all of the premises. For example, the rental accommodation can be an entire home, a condominium, a private room, a shared room or a space in a home where a “host” (the accommodation provider) lives.
Last Reviewed: October 2019
Do I need a business licence to operate a short-term rental in Edmonton?
Yes, you must have a valid City of Edmonton Business Licence to operate a short-term rental. The licence fee for a short-term rental is $94. If the City of Edmonton issues you a licence, it will notify Alberta Health Services (AHS). AHS will then follow up with you on compliance with health regulations—which may include an inspection of the property. The licence is valid for one year from the date it is issued or renewed. To learn more about how to apply for a business licence and the licencing process, go to the City of Edmonton’s website.
Last Reviewed: February 2020
What are my responsibilities as a short-term rental host in Edmonton?
If you have a valid City of Edmonton Business Licence for a short-term rental, you must follow certain conditions under the City’s Business Licence Bylaw:
• Make sure that you provide guests with an updated copy of the information guide on the City of Edmonton’s bylaws. The guide contains information on rules relating to garbage collection and disposal, noise and parking.
• Post your phone number in the rental property.
There are fines for not following these conditions.
Last Reviewed: October 2019
Can I operate a business out of a short-term rental unit in Edmonton?
No, you cannot operate a business out of a short-term rental unit unless you have a licence authorizing you to operate the business. There are fines for operating an unlicenced business.
Last Reviewed: October 2019
I have concerns about a short-term rental unit in Edmonton. What can I do?
If you have concerns about a short-term rental unit (e.g., noise, parking, garbage collection/disposal, maintenance) that you cannot resolve with the landlord or owner of the property, you can call 311 or file a complaint on the City of Edmonton’s website.
Last Reviewed: October 2019
Short-term rentals in Calgary
What is a short-term rental in Calgary?
A short-term rental is the business of providing temporary accommodation for compensation for periods of up to 30 consecutive days. It can be a dwelling unit or portion of a dwelling unit. The City of Calgary has a two tier classification for short-term rentals — Short Term Rental Tier 1 “STR One” (1 to 4 rooms offered for rent) and Short Term Rental Tier 2 “STR Two” (5 or more rooms offered for rent).
Last Reviewed: February 2020
Do I need a business licence to operate a short-term rental in Calgary?
Yes, you must have a valid Business Licence to operate a short-term rental. Depending on the short-term rental class, business licencing fees, renewal fees and necessary consultations/approvals vary. For example, the licence fee for “STR One” is $100. The licence fee for “STR Two” is $172 and a fire inspection is required, which costs $104. To learn more about how to apply for a business licence and the licencing process, go to the City of Calgary’s website.
Last Reviewed: February 2020
What are my responsibilities as a short-term rental host in Calgary?
When you are a short-term rental host in Calgary, you must follow a number of regulations under the Business Licence Bylaw. There are fines for non-compliance with the bylaws. The regulations that hosts must follow are:
- You cannot offer a room for rent or allow a guest to sleep in a room without a window.
- No more than 2 guests (not including minors) per room.
- No overlapping bookings.
- Rental ad must include business licence number.
- 24 hour emergency contact must be posted in the property.
- Keep a guest record and provide it to the licence inspector upon request.
I have concerns about a short-term rental unit in Calgary. What can I do?
If you have concerns about a short-term rental unit that you cannot resolve with the landlord or owner of the property, you can call 311.
Last Reviewed: February 2020
General Questions
Who operates short-term rentals?
Short-term rentals are often operated by a property owner or a management company.
Last Reviewed: October 2019
How are short-term rental transactions completed?
Short-term rentals are usually transacted between “hosts” (the accommodation provider) and “guests” through online platforms such as AirBNB, VRBO, HomeAway and Flipkey.
Last Reviewed: October 2019
I’m thinking of operating a short-term rental unit in a condominium. Do I need the condominium board’s approval before applying for a licence?
You should get permission from your condominium board. Be aware that condominiums may have bylaws restricting business operations in units.
Last Reviewed: February 2020
I’m a tenant and thinking of renting out my unit as a short-term rental. Do I need my landlord’s approval before applying for a licence?
You should get permission from your landlord. Be aware that a landlord may restrict business operations in their property and/or short-term rentals through the lease.
Last Reviewed: February 2020
More Information
City of Edmonton: Short-Term Home Rentals
City of Edmonton Bylaw 13138: Business Licence Bylaw
