Short-term rentals Rent a short-term rental

Renting out a short-term rental

If you are offering your licensed short-term rental to visitors, here are some tips to ensure your property is safe and inviting for guests.

Download the full Good Host Guide.

Business licence requirements

  • You will need a short-term rental business licence before you rent your property. Apply for a business licence or learn more about requirements.
  • If you DO NOT own the property, you are required to get written authorization from the owner for your new business licence before listing the property for rent.
  • If your short-term rental is a condominium, review the property’s bylaws for restrictions and inform the property management association of your new licence.
  • Your liability insurance should specifically reference short-term rental house sharing for your business licence.
  • Review City bylaws that have regulations of interest to short-term rental operators as well as the Good Host Guide.

Property requirements

Windows

Windows

All rooms must have at least one window that can be fully opened and used for emergency ecapes. Windows must be clear of any obstructions on the interior and exterior and must be operable without the use of keys, tools or special knowledge. See bedroom egress windows for more information.

Escape plan

The home escape plan provided at the time of licence application or renewal must be visible to guests and include the following information:

  • The path of exits from all rooms.
  • The location of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.
  • The location of fire extinguishers.
  • The location of the fire exits from the rental property.

Emergency contact

Your emergency contact information sheet must be visible and include the following information:

  • Full name of emergency contact who can be reached 24 hours per day.
  • Phone number of emergency contact.
  • Email address of emergency contact.

Booking requirements

  • Hosts are permitted to offer only one booking for a property at a time.
  • Regardless of a room’s size, no more than two guests can sleep in each room.
  • When advertising your property, your business licence number must be posted on any online listing.
  • Hosts must record all guest bookings and document the following:
    • The full name and email address of the guest who provided payment for the booking.
    • Associated guests, such as family members, must also be recorded, capturing the number of guests for the booking.

Find recommended templates of the Emergency Contact sheet, Guest Record sheet and more in the Good Host Guide.

Staying at a short-term rental

Calgary is a world-renowned destination, offering a vibrant environment and memorable experiences. If you choose to book a short-term rental as part of your stay, here’s what you need to know.

Download the full Good Guest Guide.

What to look for in your accommodation

When booking a short-term rental, it is important for your host to ensure safety measures are in place. Under Calgary’s Business Licence Bylaw, your home away from home should have the following:

  • At least one window that can be fully opened and used as an alternative escape route in an emergency. This does not apply to multi-storied apartment/condo buildings or lofts that have existing fire and life safety components.
  • No more than two people sleeping in each room.
  • Only one booking of the same accommodation at a time.
  • Emergency contact information posted in a visible location.
  • A home escape plan posted in a visible location that outlines a floor plan of exits, fire extinguishers, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Staying in a community

While staying in Calgary, we invite you to be a good neighbour and help us keep communities safe and enjoyable.

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