1. Licensing & Regulations
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Business license required: Since April 1, 2025, any provision of temporary accommodation (up to 180 consecutive days) through short‑term rental platforms necessitates a business license in Calgary.
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Two categories:
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Primary Residence: New license costs $172, renewals $131; plus a $114 fire inspection fee for both.
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Non‑Primary Residence: New $510, renewal $260; same $114 inspection fee.
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Tiered system based on rooms: Older system distinguished Tier 1 and Tier 2 by number of rooms—now replaced by primary vs. non‑primary residence categories.
2. Safety & Documentation Requirements
Hosts must submit:
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Fire safety plan, featuring floor layouts, locations of smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, detectors, and exits.
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Proof of ownership, or if not the owner, a written authorization.
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If in a condo, submit written board approval (older requirement, though enforcement softened).
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Liability insurance: Minimum $2 million coverage, from a registered Alberta insurer, specifically covering short‑term rentals.
3. Operational Rules & Best Practices
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Guest limits: Max two adults per bedroom (excluding minors).
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Egress windows: Every rentable room must have an accessible window that can open without tools, for emergency escape.
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No overlapping bookings—only one reservation at a time per listing.
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Emergency contact info: Must be clearly displayed and responsive promptly.
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Advertise license number in all listings and marketing materials.
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Guest records: Maintain electronic guest records (e.g., names, emails, dates) and provide upon request.
4. Taxes & Fees
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Tourism levy: Alberta imposes a 4% tourism levy on stays under 30 days—hosts must collect and remit.
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GST: Required if gross rental income exceeds $30,000 annually.
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Income tax: All rental income is taxable; eligible expenses (e.g., mortgage interest, utilities, insurance) can be deducted.
5. Local Attitude & Enforcement
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Generally Airbnb‑friendly: Hosts often find Calgary’s approach reasonable, emphasizing education over penalties.
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Affordable housing protection: New non‑primary residence licenses are limited until vacancy rates improve.
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Condo board enforcement relaxed: City won’t decline licenses based on condo board objections alone.
Quick Recap: Short Term Rentals in Calgary
| Requirement | Summary |
|---|---|
| License | Mandatory; based on residence type and includes inspection |
| Safety plan | Mandatory use of floor plan, alarms, extinguisher details |
| Insurance | $2M minimum liability, home-sharing coverage |
| Guest & listing policies | Max two adults per room, no overlapping, records kept |
| Taxes | 4% tourism levy; GST if >$30K income |
| Enforcement | Education-focused, but with fees and future restraints |
Selecting & Placing a Fire Extinguisher
1. Why 5 lb ABC Fire Extinguisher?
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Versatile: Effective for Class A (paper/wood), B (flammable liquids), and C (electrical) fires.
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Ideal for homes and short-term rentals—compact but powerful, offering good reach and discharge time.
- Meets and exceeds the 2A minimum rating requirement for a fire extinguisher.
- A typical 5 lb extinguisher has a 3A rating that exceeds the requirement.
2. Mounting & Placement Guidelines
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Height: The top of the extinguisher must be no more than 5 ft (1.53 m) above the floor; bottom at least 4 in (10 cm) off the ground.
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If the extinguisher weighs over 40 lb, mount handle no higher than 3.9 ft (1.19 m); but 5 lb units are typically lighter.
3. Recommended Locations
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Kitchen: Within 30 ft of potential fire sources (e.g., stove).
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Every level: At least one extinguisher per floor—especially near garages or entrances.
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Ensure each extinguisher is clearly visible, accessible, and ideally marked with signage.
4. Maintenance Best Practices
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Monthly visual checks: Ensure pressure is adequate, hose/nozzle are intact, and the unit is unobstructed.
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Annual servicing: By a qualified provider; include recharging if used, and hydrostatic testing at 6 or 12 years as per type.
Final Takeaways
For Airbnb/short-term rental hosts in Calgary, operating confidently means:
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Acquiring the correct business license (primary vs. non-primary)
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Preparing a robust fire safety plan
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Ensuring proper insurance coverage
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Following occupancy and listing rules
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Maintaining fire safety equipment—like a 5 lb ABC extinguisher—according to code
By staying compliant, you not only protect your guests and property—but also build trust and operational stability in Calgary’s growing STR market.
This is only a partial list of requirements and may not be fully up to date or all inclusive for your situation, consult your authority having jurisdiction for all current requirements in your area.
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