Ottawa Short-term Rental Regulations in 2024

With over 11 million visitors coming to Canada’s capital of Ottawa every year, it is no surprise that the Ottawa market is a great bet for aspiring Airbnb entrepreneurs, especially since short-term rentals on platforms like Airbnb are outperforming monthly rentals by a long shot. To help Ottawa hosts, we wrote this guide as your tool rather than a licensing reference or a what-you-should-do guide. Please refer to Airbnb Support Page - Ottawa, for a complete regulation guide, and visit the city website.

Do I Need a Permit for Short-Term Rentals in Ottawa?

Yes, property owners who want to advertise their property on Airbnb are required to obtain a permit from the City of Ottawa if they plan on renting a residential unit for 30 consecutive days or less.

What are the Requirements for Obtaining a Permit?

According to the city website, all aspiring Airbnb hosts:

• “Need a City-issued host permit for their principal residence, at a cost of $110 for two years

• [or] Need a separate City-issued cottage rental permit, at a cost of $110 for two years, to rent one cottage or home in the rural area”

They will be required to provide:

• “Completed Short-term rental platform application 

• Proof of insurance

• A signed declaration confirming that he or she is aware of and will comply with the requirements of the Short-Term Rental By-law

• Acceptable results of a Criminal Records and Judicial Matters Check

• Articles of incorporation if applicable

• Name(s) of designated representative”

What Is the Primary Residency Requirement?

In order to obtain the short-term rental permit, the property must be the short-term rental operator’s primary residence. The logic behind this expectation is that it will limit the amount of Airbnbs on the market.

How Do I Register for the Short-Term Rental Permit?

According to the city website: “Applications can be submitted by email to str_lcd@ottawa.ca or through the online application form.” 

Is There a Limit on the Number of Bedrooms I Can Rent Out?

If you are not renting an Entire Home accommodation (not shared place with private entrance), but a Private Room accommodation (shared home without private entrance), then you are limited to renting 3 bedrooms, regardless of the total bedroom count of the property. This limitation helps address community concerns such as noise and parking.

Are There Occupancy Limitations for Short-Term Rentals in Ottawa?

Yes, Ottawa's regulations set maximum occupancy limits for short-term rental properties. Property owners and guests must adhere to these limits to prevent overcrowding.

What About My Community?

Property owners are responsible for keeping noise levels reasonable and ensuring a positive relationship with neighbours. If you are worried about attracting noisy guests, please read our article about Technology in Short-term Rentals.

How Does Ottawa Enforce Short-Term Rental Regulations?

The City of Ottawa employs various enforcement measures, including penalties, fines, or permit revocation, to ensure compliance with short-term rental regulations.

What Platforms May I Use to Advertise My Property?

In Ottawa, only Airbnb is permitted.

What Should I Buy for My Short-Term Rental Property?

StayPro recommends you read our article 10 Airbnb Inventory Mistakes Hosts Have Been Making! to learn about the common mistakes and useful things to have in your property.

Since we do not update the article in real time, please make sure that the information is still applicable. StayPro advises that you do your own research as this article is not comprehensive, and does not constitute legal or tax advice.