In recent years, the rise of the sharing economy has opened up lucrative opportunities for individuals looking to generate extra income by renting out their properties as short-term accommodations. If you're considering embarking on this venture in Calgary, it's crucial to understand the regulations and responsibilities involved in operating a short-term rental. Fortunately, the City of Calgary provides a comprehensive "Good Host Guide," outlining the necessary steps and guidelines to ensure a responsible and legal operation. In this blog post, we'll delve a Guide to Launching an Airbnb in Calgary based on the City's guidelines.
Understanding Short-Term Rental Regulations
Before diving into the business of short-term rentals, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the regulatory framework set forth by the City of Calgary. According to the Business Licence Bylaw 32M98, all short-term rental hosts are required to obtain a business license to operate legally within the city. You can find detailed information about licensing procedures on the City's official website at calgary.ca/shorttermrentals.
Getting Started
Before you apply for your business license, it's crucial to gather the necessary documents and take several proactive steps to ensure compliance and smooth operation:
Inform Property Owners: If you're not the property owner, it's best practice to inform them about your new business license before listing the property for short-term rental.
Review Property Bylaws: If your short-term rental is in a condominium, review the property's bylaws for any restrictions and inform the property management association of your new license.
Check Insurance Policy: Ensure you have $2 million liability insurance with coverage specifically mentioning "Occupied by others for short-term rental, tenants occupied."
Prepare Fire Escape Plan: Create a fire escape plan for your rental property, detailing exit routes, alarm locations, and fire extinguisher locations.
Gather Necessary Documents: You will need the following documents to apply for the City of Calgary business license:
Your City of Calgary Online my SEID account
The roll number of the property
Proof of $2 million liability insurance
Fire escape plan
Payment Method: Have a credit card ready to pay for the business license application fee online.
Safety Reminders
Safety should be a top priority for any short-term rental host. Ensure that all rooms made available to guests comply with safety standards, including having at least one window that can be fully opened for emergency escape. Additionally, familiarize yourself with recommended window styles and ensure clear pathways for emergency exits.
Bookings and Guest Limitations
Short-term rental hosts are permitted to offer only one booking for a property at a time, with no overlapping bookings of unrelated or unassociated persons allowed. Additionally, there are limitations on the maximum number of guests allowed per room, regardless of size. Ensure compliance with these regulations based on the tier of your license.
Advertising Your Listing
Upon receiving your short-term rental license, it's mandatory to include the license number on any online advertisements. This ensures transparency and allows potential guests to verify the license status through The City of Calgary's Open Data Portal.
Emergency Preparedness
As a responsible host, you must provide emergency contact information for guests and display it prominently within the property. This includes the full name, phone number, and email address of an emergency contact available 24/7.
Maintaining Guest Records
Keep detailed guest records for each booking, including the full name and email address of the primary guest, as well as the number of associated guests. This information helps track occupancy and ensures compliance with regulations.
Being a Good Neighbor
Respect for neighbors and community guidelines is paramount. Be mindful of noise restrictions, parking regulations, and waste management practices. Inform guests of local transportation options, attractions, and businesses to enhance their experience in Calgary.
Conclusion
Starting an Airbnb or short-term rental in Calgary can be a rewarding endeavor, but it requires careful planning, adherence to regulations, and a commitment to safety and responsibility. By following the guidelines outlined in the City of Calgary's Good Host Guide and ensuring you have all necessary documents and preparations in place, you can establish a successful and compliant short-term rental business while contributing positively to your community.
Good luck with your venture! Remember, if you need any support, both free and paid services are available to assist you along the way at ZillionStay.com.
At ZillionStay, we offer comprehensive services catering to Airbnb, Vrbo, and various other short-term rental platforms. From listing creation to management and co-hosting, we provide professional support at the lowest service fees in the industry. Book a free consultation today!
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