🏡 Calgary Tightens Short-Term Rental Rules: What You Need to Know
Starting April 1, 2025, the City of Calgary is introducing a new set of regulations for short-term rentals, aiming to better manage this growing sector while ensuring the safety of both guests and residents.
🆕 Major Change: Maximum Rental Period Now 180 Days
Previously, a rental was considered “short-term” if it lasted 30 days or less. From now on, that period extends to 180 days or less, bringing Calgary in line with other major Canadian cities.
🏠 What Qualifies as a Short-Term Rental in Calgary?
- The rental must be for an entire unit (not just a room).
- Only one group of guests at a time is allowed.
- The unit can be in either a primary or secondary residence.
- Maximum occupancy is 2 people per bedroom, not including children under 12.
✅ Operating Requirements
Hosts must:
- Obtain a business licence from the city ($172 application fee, then $100 annually).
- Complete an annual fire inspection ($114).
- Have short-term rental insurance (proof not required, but mandatory).
- Display their business licence number on all listings.
- Provide a 24/7 emergency contact.
- Have written permission from the property owner if the host is not the owner.
- Meet fire safety standards, including an emergency exit if the rental is in a basement with only one main door.
🚫 No New Licences During a Housing Shortage
The city monitors Calgary’s vacancy rate: if it falls below 2.5%, no new licences will be issued — only renewals will be allowed. This policy is intended to protect the long-term housing supply.
🔍 You can check current vacancy data here:
CMHC Housing Outlook – Calgary
🖥️ What This Means for Platforms Like Airbnb and VRBO
All major rental platforms must now pay an annual fee of $3,000 to operate legally in Calgary — a move that aims to hold platforms accountable as well.
📍 Want to Check if a Listing is Licensed?
The city offers an interactive map of licensed short-term rentals:
For full details, visit the official page: calgary.ca/str