Is Airbnb legal in Ottawa?

Overview of Airbnb Regulations in Ottawa-Gatineau

As of 2023, the cities of Gatineau and Ottawa have implemented specific regulations governing short-term rentals (STRs) to balance the interests of hosts, guests, and the community. Both cities aim to manage the impact of STRs on housing availability and to ensure compliance with safety and zoning laws.

Gatineau Regulations

1. Permit Requirement: Hosts must obtain a short-term rental permit from the City of Gatineau before listing their property on platforms like Airbnb. An application fee of $500 for primary residences and $750 for secondary residences is required.

2. Zoning Compliance: Rentals are only permitted in the host's primary residence in urban areas, with some allowances in rural areas for cottages and secondary suites. Hosts must live in their unit for at least six months of the year to qualify.

3. Occupancy Limits:

   • A maximum of 2 guests per bedroom, with up to 10 guests total.
   • Primary residences can only be rented for up to 180 nights per year; secondary suites are capped at 90 nights, and rural cottages have no limits.

4. Safety and Documentation: Hosts must secure liability insurance of at least $1 million, provide proof of ownership, a waste disposal plan, and site drawings of the property. The city conducts inspections to ensure compliance with fire codes and other regulations.

5. Tax Obligations: A 4% Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) must be collected and remitted by hosts on a monthly basis. This applies to all short-term accommodations rented for less than 31 consecutive days.

6. Enforcement: The city actively monitors compliance and conducts random audits. Violators can face fines and may have their permits revoked.

Ottawa Regulations

1. Registration Requirement: Ottawa also requires hosts to register for a Short-Term Residential Rental Certificate, which is valid for two years and comes with a registration fee of $110.

2. Eligibility Criteria: The STR must be the host's principal residence. Renters must obtain written consent from their landlords, and certain condominium rules may apply.

3. Documentation: Hosts must provide identification proof, a floor plan of the residence, proof of insurance, and consent from landlords (if applicable). Airbnb's Host liability insurance typically suffices for those renting through the platform.

4. Enforcement and Compliance: Ottawa's by-law aims to mitigate disruptions to neighborhoods caused by short-term rentals, ensuring compliance with zoning laws and community standards.

5. Tax Situation: Ottawa imposes a Municipal Accommodation Tax similar to Gatineau, ensuring that hosts contribute to local governance and infrastructure.

Summary

Both Gatineau and Ottawa have established a comprehensive regulatory framework aimed at regulating short-term rentals effectively. While Gatineau's regulations have been more stringent following a 2022 enforcement push to protect housing inventory and community interests, Ottawa's rules cater to a similar end with a somewhat different administrative approach. It's crucial for hosts in both cities to understand and comply with local regulations to avoid potential fines and ensure safe operations.