Short-term rental business licence changes
Before you apply
What is a short-term rental?
As of April 1, 2025, a short-term rental means the business of providing temporary accommodation for compensation, in a dwelling unit or portion of a dwelling unit, for periods of up to 180 consecutive days, by advertising or otherwise listing with a Short-Term Rental Company.
Before you apply
Use the checklist and check each application requirement as you prepare to submit your application. Items listed on the checklist are the minimum requirements. We might need more information after we review your application.
Provide all required documents on the checklist, including drawings, supporting material and any additional forms. If you are not sure if something is required, contact the Planning Services Centre.
Use sample drawings to review what you need to include on your plans.
Double check your documents are completed and make sure you have all required items on your plans before you upload them.
How much will it cost?
New business licence
| Primary Residence | Non-Primary Residence | |
|---|---|---|
| New fee |
$172 |
$510 |
| Fire inspection |
$114 |
$114 |
| Total |
$286 |
$624 |
Business licence renewal
| Primary Residence | Non-Primary Residence | |
|---|---|---|
| Renewal fee |
$131 |
$260 |
| Fire inspection |
$114 |
$114 |
| Total |
$245 |
$374 |
Apply or renew
Apply in-person
Complete the application form.
Once you have gathered all required documents, you can apply for your permit in person by visiting the Planning Services Centre.
Renewing your business licence
Short-term rental business licence renewals can be completed 30 days in advance of the renewal date.
- Log in to apply.calgary.ca/shorttermrentals with the same personal myID that was used to apply for the licence.
- From the dashboard you can:
- Edit: Update emergency contact information (name, email address and phone number).
- Renew: Pay for a Short Term Rental Renewal (the button will only be displayed in red when the Renewal process has begun).
- View Pending Fees: View outstanding fees.
- Effective April 1, when renewing your business licence you will need to reclassify your licence category to Primary Residence or Non-Primary Residence.
Business licence categories
| Primary Residence | Non-Primary Residence | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Requirement
of owner |
You are the owner or have owner authorization and the home is your main dwelling. Proof of residence showing the address is required. |
Requirement
of owner |
You are the owner or have owner authorization, but you do not reside in the home. |
|
Number of
bookings |
One at a time |
Number of
bookings |
One at a time |
|
People per
room |
2 |
People per
room |
2 |
|
Consecutive
Days |
Up to 180 |
Consecutive
Days |
Up to 180 |
|
Safety |
Fire inspection
required |
Safety |
Fire
inspection required |
Please note, business licence fees are nonrefundable.
After you apply
The Planning Services Centre may contact you for more information required for your application. Follow-up on requests for more information as quickly as possible.
How to check the status of your licence
After you submit your application online, you will get a confirmation email with a Job Access Code (JAC).
To track your application and check its status, enter your Job Access Code in Vista.
If you need help or have questions, contact our Planning Services Centre.
What are the required approvals?
For new Primary and Non-Primary Residence applications, Fire Inspections must be completed before the licence can be issued.
Once your File Manager has approved your Fire Safety Plan, the Calgary Fire Department (CFD) will contact you directly to book the inspection.
Short-term rental (STR) business licence renewals are now included in the CFD risk-based prioritization model. This model means STR businesses may or may not receive an annual physical fire inspection. The CFD creates a ranked list of properties based on risk and then schedules inspections directly with licence holders.
Calgary Fire Department Safety Approvals
To learn more about fire safety responsibilities for short term rental owners download the latest information on fire code requirements.
Download and review our Fire Safety Escape Plan
Comments, complaints and more information
For compliments or complaints regarding short term rentals, call 311, use the app or go to Calgary.ca/311.
For more information about business licensing, visit: Calgary.ca/myBusiness and Bylaws related to businesses.
For more on long-term rentals of secondary suites, visit calgary.ca/suites. Or learn more about other housing options, such as lodging housing.