Is Airbnb legal in Winnipeg?

Winnipeg, Manitoba, has implemented new regulations for short-term rentals, such as those listed on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo, that will come into effect on April 1, 2024. Here’s a summary of the main points from these regulations:

1. Licensing Requirement: All operators of short-term rentals must obtain a City of Winnipeg business license. This requirement applies to both property owners and rental platforms, with licenses needing annual renewal. Each individual rental will require its separate license.

2. Property Ownership Restrictions:

   • New Rentals: For properties purchased after February 23, 2023, the owner can only rent their primary residence as a short-term rental.
   • Existing Rentals: Owners of properties purchased before this date may operate a maximum of four rentals (one primary residence and up to three non-primary residences).

3. Zoning Limitations: New short-term rentals are prohibited in certain zoning districts, including Residential Mobile Home (RMH) and Rural Residential (RR2, RR5).

4. Night Limitations: Primary residences can be rented without the operator present for a maximum of 150 nights per year, but there is no limit when the operator is present. Additionally, all rentals are capped at 29 consecutive nights per booking.

5. Accommodation Tax: A six percent accommodation tax will be applicable to all short-term rental bookings, aligned with the tax on hotel rooms. This tax is to be collected by operators and paid quarterly to the city.

6. Safety Standards: Operators must adhere to safety measures that include the installation of fire safety equipment, displaying emergency exit plans, and providing guests with a 24/7 emergency contact number.

7. Human Trafficking Awareness: Operators are required to provide information related to human trafficking and sex trafficking within their properties, developed in partnership with the National Human Trafficking Education Centre.

These regulations aim to enhance accountability, safety, and fairness across the accommodation industry in Winnipeg, aligning the city with practices in many other major urban areas. Operators can apply for their licenses online, and further information is available on the City of Winnipeg’s official website.