As short-term rentals (STRs) become more common, cities around the world are putting regulations in place to manage their growth. Winnipeg is no exception, introducing a set of rules designed to ensure that STRs benefit both property owners and the broader community. These regulations aim to safeguard housing availability and maintain neighborhood integrity while allowing homeowners and investors to take advantage of the STR market. If you're planning to operate an STR in Winnipeg, here’s a breakdown of what you need to know.
Obtaining Your Business License
In Winnipeg, anyone operating a short-term rental is required to secure a business license from the City of Winnipeg. Each rental property needs its own individual license, which must be renewed annually. This licensing process ensures that STRs are legally registered and adhere to city guidelines.
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Primary Residence Rule: What You Should Know
A key regulation is that, starting February 23, 2023, only primary residences are allowed to be used as short-term rentals for new property purchases. This rule is intended to curb the trend of investors converting multiple properties into full-time STRs, which can contribute to the shortage of long-term rental housing. However, if you purchased additional properties before this date, you're still permitted to operate up to three non-primary residences as STRs.
Rental Night Limits: What’s Allowed and What’s Not
If you’re not staying on the property, you can only rent it out for up to 150 nights per year.
If you remain on-site during a guest's stay, there are no limits on the number of rental nights.
Individual bookings are capped at 29 consecutive nights to ensure STRs aren’t used as long-term rentals.
Taxes and Fees to Keep in Mind
Winnipeg charges a 6% accommodation tax on STR bookings, which is comparable to the tax imposed on hotels. Hosts are required to collect this tax from guests and remit it to the city on a quarterly basis.
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Ensuring Safety and Compliance
To maintain a safe environment for guests and preserve neighborhood safety, STR operators in Winnipeg must adhere to specific guidelines:
Human Trafficking Awareness: Hosts must display information provided by the National Human Trafficking Education Centre within their rental properties.
Fire Safety: Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers must be in good working condition in all rental properties.
Emergency Protocols: A posted emergency contact number and evacuation plan must be available for guests.
Why These Regulations Matter
Winnipeg’s updated short-term rental regulations are designed to strike a balance between home-sharing and community well-being. By enforcing proper licensing, taxation, and safety measures, the city aims to prevent challenges such as the over-conversion of properties into STRs, potential disruptions to neighborhood stability, and safety risks for guests.
If you're considering operating an STR in Winnipeg—whether you're new to the scene or an experienced host—it's crucial to stay informed and ensure your business remains compliant with these new rules to avoid fines or even losing your license.
For more detailed information on licensing and compliance, check out Winnipeg.ca.
Ready to Navigate the Short-Term Rental Market with Confidence?
Whether you're a seasoned investor or a first-time host, staying ahead of the regulations and ensuring your property is compliant is key to a successful short-term rental business. If you need assistance understanding the new rules, securing your business license, or managing your STR operations smoothly, we’re here to help!
Reach out to us today and let’s make sure your short-term rental in Winnipeg is running smoothly, legally, and profitably. https://tysellswpg.com/ to get started!
