Ottawa permits short-term rentals with a conditional licensing framework under By-law 2021-104. Hosts must obtain a permit ($116 for 2 years) and can only operate STRs in their principal residence. There are two key exceptions to the principal residence rule: cottage rentals in eligible rural zones (AG, RC, RR, RU, excluding AG4-AG8) and dedicated STRs that legally operated as hotels before the by-law took effect. Short-term rentals are explicitly prohibited in agricultural subzones AG4 through AG8 and in areas where bed and breakfast uses are prohibited under the Zoning By-law. The city requires hosts to maintain $1,000,000 liability insurance, display their permit number on all listings, and provide guest information packages. STR platforms and property managers must also register with the city. The zoning provisions under Section 121A of the Zoning By-law are scheduled to be repealed on February 7, 2027, so hosts should monitor for regulatory updates.
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Ottawa is a high-enforcement market - fines reach $100,000 per violation
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At a Glance
Last verified 1 day agoVerified from 3 sources
STR License
Yes
Primary Residence
Yes
Enforcement
High
Tax Rate
6%
Potential Fines
Up to $100,000
Permit Status
Accepting
Full Requirements
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Ottawa is actively enforced and fines reach $100,000 per violation.
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Ottawa, ON Regulations Guide
Ottawa permits short-term rentals with a conditional licensing framework under By-law 2021-104. Hosts must obtain a permit ($116 for 2 years) and can only operate STRs in their principal residence. There are two key exceptions to the principal residence rule: cottage rentals in eligible rural zones (AG, RC, RR, RU, excluding AG4-AG8) and dedicated STRs that legally operated as hotels before the by-law took effect. Short-term rentals are explicitly prohibited in agricultural subzones AG4 through AG8 and in areas where bed and breakfast uses are prohibited under the Zoning By-law. The city requires hosts to maintain $1,000,000 liability insurance, display their permit number on all listings, and provide guest information packages. STR platforms and property managers must also register with the city. The zoning provisions under Section 121A of the Zoning By-law are scheduled to be repealed on February 7, 2027, so hosts should monitor for regulatory updates.
Licensing and Permits
Ottawa requires hosts to obtain an STR license or permit before listing their property on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO. An inspection is required as part of the permitting process.
Enforcement
Ottawa has high enforcement of STR regulations. Operating without proper licensing or failing to comply with local regulations can result in citations, fines, and potential loss of your permit.
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Tax rates, platform collection details, occupancy limits, operational requirements, and more.
Compiled from 3 official government sources and continuously monitored for changes. Always verify current requirements with your local municipality before making investment or operational decisions.
Two (2) persons per sleeping room; maximum 4 sleeping rooms and 8 overnight guests in a dwelling unit or mobile home; maximum 8 sleeping rooms and 10 overnight guests in an oversize dwelling unit or legally non-conforming dwelling unit
A host permit is required to operate a short-term rental, costing $65 Administration Fee + $58 Permit Fee and valid for 2 years.
Short-term rentals are only permitted in the host's principal residence, except for cottage rentals authorized under Section 121B of the Zoning By-law and Dedicated Short-Term Rentals.
A host may hold only one host permit for their principal residence and one for a cottage rental.
Host permits are not transferable; no person shall sell or transfer a host permit.
Maximum occupancy is two persons per sleeping room, capped at 8 overnight guests in a dwelling unit (4 sleeping rooms) or 10 in an oversize/legally non-conforming dwelling unit (8 sleeping rooms).
Hosts must maintain Homeowners, Condominium, or Renters Insurance with at least $1,000,000 liability per occurrence covering short-term rental activity.
Property managers must register annually with the City ($65 + $156) and respond to complaints or attend on site within 2 hours of a request from the Director or By-law Officer.
Property managers must maintain Commercial General Liability Insurance of at least $2,000,000.
Short-term rental platforms must register with the City, collect Municipal Accommodation Tax for every short-term rental, remit it quarterly, and report monthly.
Listings must prominently display the host permit serial number and maximum overnight guest limit.
Hosts must provide a guest information package electronically at booking and posted in the unit including emergency, parking, waste, smoking, and permit information.
Functioning smoke alarms, CO alarms (where applicable), and an ABC class fire extinguisher on each floor are required.
Landlords, condominium corporations, and housing co-operatives may register a prohibition on short-term rentals in their properties, which voids existing host permits.
Fines for violations range from a minimum of $500 to a maximum of $100,000 per day, with continuing offences not limited to $100,000 in total.
Applications require a floor plan showing square footage, number of bedrooms, proof of principal residence, and proof of insurance.
Building & Fire Code
Fire Extinguisher
Yes
Smoke Detectors
Must have and maintain a functioning smoke alarm where required by the Ontario Fire Code
Additional Requirements
ABC class fire extinguisher required on each floor of the residential unit in a location accessible to guests; must comply with Ontario Fire Code and Property Standards By-law
Enforcement & Permit Status
Permits
accepting
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Instructions for solid waste disposal must be provided to guests, including waste collection day, composting and recycling instructions
Posting Requirements
Information package must be visible and accessible in unit including: host/property manager contact, 9-1-1 instructions, nearest two hospitals, 3-1-1 info, non-emergency police contact, floor plan with emergency evacuation routes and safety equipment locations, notice of any audio/video recording systems, solid waste disposal instructions, parking instructions, smoking/vaping instructions, schedule of common offences and fines, and a copy of the host permit including serial number, occupancy limits, and conditions
Verification
Verified from 3 government sources
Regulations are continuously monitored for changes. Always confirm with your local jurisdiction before acting.
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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local municipality before making investment or operational decisions.
Verified by 1 source6 cited facts: 6 single-source
Citation receipts
6 cited facts for Ottawa
6 single source
Every published fact below is taken from the city's own ordinance text. Quotes are verbatim — click through to the source to read them on the issuing authority's page.
Local tax6%
verified 2 months ago
“you will be obliged by law to collect and remit a six percent (6%) Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) on all rooms sold for overnight accommodation”
“a permit is required if you plan on renting your principal residence, or part of a residential unit for a period of less than thirty (30) consecutive nights”
Where to applyhttps://ottawa.ca/en/business/permits-and-licences/short-term-rentals
verified 2 months ago
“Under the Short-Term Rental By-law, a permit is required if you plan on renting your principal residence, or part of a residential unit for a period of less than thirty (30) consecutive nights.”
“A cottage rental is permitted within a principal dwelling unit, oversize dwelling unit, additional dwelling unit or coach house in any RU – Rural Countryside Zone, RR – Rural Residential Zone, RC – Rural Commercial Zone, or AG – Agricultural Zone, excluding the AG4, AG5, AG6, AG7”
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