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If you’re running an Airbnb in Ottawa, or even thinking about starting one, there’s a by-law you really need to understand. The City has a Short-Term Rental By-law (2021-104), and it applies to every host, whether you’re renting out a room in your home or managing multiple properties. Here’s what it actually means in plain terms: You need a permit You can’t legally run or even advertise a short-term rental in Ottawa without a host permit. Every listing needs to show the permi

A common belief in Ontario is that any stay longer than 28 to 30 days automatically becomes a tenancy under the Residential Tenancies Act. That's not how the law actually works. Under Section 5 of the Residential Tenancies Act, certain types of accommodations are exempt from the Act entirely. This includes accommodations intended for the travelling or vacationing public and temporary or short-term stays. What Section 5 of the RTA says 5 This Act does not apply with respect t

Have you had your basement denied from permit renewal? Thinking about renting your basement on Airbnb in Ottawa? Here's what the City actually looks for, what triggers a denial, and how to get your space compliant. Most people will tell you that if you have a basement unit, like a granny suite, it'll get approved as long as it's not a self-contained unit. Not exactly true. If you're trying to rent your basement in Ottawa, the key issue is how the City classifies the space. Th