Edmonton Short-term Rental Regulations in 2024

As one of the major cities in Canada and one of the gateway cities into the Rockies, Edmonton offers homeowners a unique opportunity to earn additional income through short-term rentals. Whether you have an entire home or even just a spare room in your residence, renting on online platforms like Airbnb and VRBO can help you meet your mortgage payments and earn extra from your property. To help Edmonton 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 - Edmonton, for a complete regulation guide, and visit the city website.

What are Short-term Rentals and Why are They Regulated in Edmonton?

Short-term rentals are units (entire homes or private rooms) that are advertised on sites like Airbnb for the purpose of finding short-term guests, typically less than 30 days. The reason these short-term rentals are regulated in Edmonton is to ensure the well-being of the community, protect the rights of residents, and maintain the character of neighbourhoods.

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

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

How Can I Apply for a Short-term Rental Permit in Edmonton?

In order to obtain the necessary permit, homeowners must submit an application to the City of Edmonton. During the application process, you will need to pay a fee and provide:

• details about your property,

• your contact information, and 

• an official agreement to comply with the established regulations. 

The application form and guidelines can be found on the official website: Edmonton Short-Term Rentals.

Can Any Property Become a Short-term Rental?

According to the city website: “Some condominium or homeowner association bylaws do not allow short-term home rentals. It is the responsibility of the host to check these bylaws before submitting an application.” StayPro always suggests homeowners seek the necessary approval before starting the process. 

Are There any Specific Requirements for the Property Itself?

Yes, in order to get the permit, the property must meet certain safety and zoning requirements. These include compliance with the Alberta Building Code, Fire Code, and other relevant regulations. 

What is the Difference Between an Entire Home and Private Room Accommodation?

In Edmonton, hosts are allowed 2 options for how to rent their homes:

1. Entire Home

2. Private Room (up to 2)

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

No, once you obtain a permit, you can rent for as many days of the year as possible.

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.

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.