Legal

January 15, 2024 Published by South Alberta Chapter - By Elaine Courte

The City of Calgary Short-Term Rentals

From the Winter 2024 issue of the CCI South Alberta CCI Review

In February 2020, the City of Calgary made changes to the Business Licence Bylaw which included short-term rentals. Incorporating the short-term rentals in the bylaws reflects the City of Calgary’s commitment to creating a fair and sustainable environment for all residents, visitors and businesses.

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.

All short-term rental hosts must obtain an annual sort term business licence for each property they rent out. Licence fees are based on a two-tier system.

Tier 1: 1 to 4 rooms offered for rent = $100 per property plus the cost of a fire inspection of $104 per property

Tier 2: 5 or more rooms offered for rent = $172 per property plus the cost of a fire inspection of $104 per property

The bylaw regulations outline the following components for the host to be aware of:

• Hosts must have a current license
• Licence number must be included on any online advertising
• Hosts can only have one booking for the property at a time (no overlapping or unassociated persons can be accommodated)
• There is a limit of two people sleeping in a room (with the exception of minors under the age of 12)
• Guests must be provided with 24 hour emergency contact information for the host
• The host must provide the floor escape plan in the unit

On January 1, 2024, the City of Calgary has necessitated key changes to the rules around short-term rental business licence which will enhance the safety of guests, reduce negative impacts on the community and increase the accountability to hosts and property owners.

These changes increases the accountability of the hosts and the amendments require:

• Providing proof of consent from the property owner and if applicable from the condominium board to the short-term rental to be offered to guests by the licensee
• Providing a fire escape plan be posted inside the rental and a fire safety plan
• Have proof of liability insurance coverage for the rental space
• Ensure safety standards are met and fire inspections completed
• Any previous concerns of the property are reviewed

The City of Calgary’s website offers guides, tips and a checklist to help:

• “Good Host Guide”
• “Short-term Rental Owner’s Responsibility for Fire Safety”
• “Building Owner’s Responsibilities for fire and Safety”

Other City of Calgary resources which may be of interest include:

• Building Owner’s Responsibilities for Fire Safety (LINK)

Elaine Courte, Administrator
CCI South Alberta