Living in Winnipeg and hosting short-term rentals through platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo? Well, get ready for some important updates that will shape the way you operate in 2024.
Starting April 1, 2024, a City of Winnipeg license will be required for anyone operating a short-term rental or advertising one on platforms. Winston Yee, the Manager of Community By-law Enforcement Services, sheds light on the shift, saying, “The new short-term rental license brings Winnipeg in line with how many other major cities regulate operations like Airbnb or Vrbo.”
This move aims to establish fairness in the accommodation industry and holds operators accountable for providing safe rentals that respect the surrounding neighborhood.
Property and Booking Limits
One of the headline changes is a restriction on the properties available for short-term rentals. If you bought your property after February 23, 2023, it can only be listed as a short-term rental if it’s your primary residence. For properties bought on or before that date, a maximum of three additional properties can be operated as short-term rentals.
Winston Yee acknowledges the investments made by some in short-term rentals outside their primary residence, stating, “The inclusion of up to three existing additional properties is meant to ease the transition for them.”
Renters are not left out; they can still operate short-term rentals if they secure permission from their landlord. Primary residences can be rented for a maximum of 150 nights a year without the operator present, with no limit if the operator stays in the home during the stay. All short-term rentals are capped at 29 consecutive nights per booking.
Accommodation Tax
Another significant shift is the introduction of a five percent accommodation tax on all short-term rental bookings – mirroring the tax applied to hotel rooms. Airbnb and Vrbo will incorporate this tax into their booking processes, but operators need to ensure it’s added to each listing and pay it quarterly.
Safety Measures
The changes also prioritize safety. New rules mandate the installation and maintenance of fire safety equipment, displaying emergency exit plans, and providing guests with a 24/7 emergency contact number. Yee emphasizes the need for safety standards, saying, “Short-term rentals have the potential to attract crime.” Operators are required to follow all City of Winnipeg bylaws and, in collaboration with the National Human Trafficking Education Centre, display information on human trafficking and sex trafficking within the property.
Applications
Curious about the license application process? Forms will be available in January. In the meantime, you can start preparing by reviewing your requirements. Additional information on operating short-term rentals in Winnipeg, including a comprehensive list of rules and fees, can be found online.
As 2024 approaches, these changes aim to bring about a more regulated and accountable short-term rental landscape in Winnipeg. It’s time to gear up and ensure your operation aligns with the upcoming guidelines.
