Here’s what you need to know if you’re thinking of renting your property (or part of it) as a short-term rental in Toronto.

On September 10th the city will launch their short-term rental registration program online and hosts will have until the end of the year to register their property. Hosts will be responsible to post the registration number on all advertising and listings. They’re also required to provide guests with alternate/emergency contact, instructions on contacting 911, and the building’s emergency exit plan. As of January 1st of 2021 all short-term rental operators will need to have registered and will need to collect and remit 4% Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) on a quarterly basis.

Toronto’s short-term rental by-laws came into effect last November, as well as fines for noncompliance and discrimination:

• Short-term rentals are any period less than 28 consecutive days – you can host up to 3 rooms in your home for an unlimited number of nights per year, or your entire home for a maximum to 180 nights per year

• Short-term rentals can be hosted only in your primary residence (i.e. where you receive bills, ID, taxes & insurance)

• Both owners and renters can host short-term rentals in houses or condos, as long as they are permitted by the condominium board and/or landlord

• Secondary suites (such as basement apartments and laneway suites) can be rented as long as they are your primary residence – if you reside in the main portion of the house, you may not separately short-term rent the secondary suite

• People operating short-term rentals will be required to register with the City of Toronto

• Companies facilitating short-term rentals will need to obtain a licence to operate in Toronto

The City’s aim is that the registration process will allow them to better respond to complaints and enforce the by-laws. You can report noise, waste and by-law concerns to the City of Toronto by contacting 311.