Phase 2 Engagement of Calgary’s Short-Term Rental Study
From August 26 to September 30, 2024, you are invited to participate in an online survey to help shape short-term rental (STR) regulations.
The purpose of the Short-Term Rental Study is to examine market characteristics, public perceptions, operational challenges and the impact short-term rentals have on the housing market.
Phase 1 of Calgary’s Short-Term Rental Study launched in October 2023, which included an online survey, focus groups, and one-on-one interviews with interested parties, operators, and hosts. The “What We Heard” report from Phase 1 is available at engage.calgary.ca/STR.
Phase 2 engagement serves to gain public feedback on short-term rental regulations, including business licensing rules. The purpose of the Study is to address current and emerging issues while aligning with Calgary’s priorities on economic development, downtown revitalization, housing, hospitality, and tourism.
Visit engage.calgary.ca/STR to share your perspective on Calgary's STR future.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a short-term rental (STR)?
Generally, a STR refers to a residential property (or a room or guest suite) that is rented out for a fee on a temporary basis, by either the property owner or a long-term tenant, to people who are traveling and in need of accommodation. In recent years, the market for STRs has grown considerably due to the emergence of digital platforms, such as Airbnb and Vrbo, which match STR operators (or “hosts”) with prospective guests.
In Calgary, STR 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.”
Bed and breakfasts, hotels, hostels and lodging houses are not considered STRs in Calgary.
How will the Phase 2 engagement online survey be used?
The City is committed to considering the Phase 2 engagement findings and incorporating feedback where feasible when finalizing the recommendations to present to Council in December 2024.
How were the Phase 2 engagement proposed recommendations developed?
Recommendations presented in the Phase 2 engagement online survey were developed based on the findings from the Phase 1 engagement that took place in fall 2023 and the University of Calgary’s in-depth research.
What rules apply to STR operations in Calgary?
STRs have been regulated in Calgary since February 2020. The Business Licence Bylaw sets out a two-tiered licensing system for all STR operators, application requirements (including fees), operational and safety standards, and information about compliance and enforcement. Key elements are:
Licence: All STR operators must obtain an annual business licence. There are two fee categories, based on the number of rooms offered (1-4: $100/property; 5+: $172/property).
Advertising: The business licence number must be included in all advertising (e.g., on the Airbnb listing)
Bookings: An operator cannot accept overlapping bookings in the same dwelling: separate rooms cannot be rented at the same time to separate guest parties.
Guests: A maximum of two adults are allowed per bookable room.
Information: Hosts must provide guests with 24-hour emergency contact information. Hosts must also keep a permanent record of all guests.
For more information, see The City of Calgary’s short-term rental webpage.
When was the last time Calgary’s STR regulations were updated?
In June 2023, Calgary City Council approved minor changes to requirements for STR operators through amendments to the Business Licence Bylaw. These changes meant that applicants for a STR licence will need to provide with their application:
a Fire Safety Plan (including evacuation and floor plans, to be posted inside the short-term rental);
a fire inspection;
proof of property ownership (or, if a renter, consent from the property owner);
proof of condominium board consent, if located in a building operated by a condominium corporation;
proof of liability insurance coverage for the short-term rental; and
a review of the property for prior issues or concerns (e.g., nuisance).
These changes came into effect in January 2024.
Why are these regulations important?
Calgary’s STR regulations—specifically, the licensing of STRs—aim to ensure that STRs are compliant with local bylaws, standards and safety codes. The regulatory approach strikes a balance between enabling the economic benefits of STRs and minimizing negative impacts on the community. Recent amendments aim to further enhance the safety of guests and strengthen host accountability.