Chapter 1

Montreal Airbnb Rules in 2025: What Hosts Need to Know

Last updated: July 2025

With recent changes to short-term rental regulations, many Montreal Airbnb hosts are left wondering how to comply and what happens if they don’t. Unsurprisingly, Airbnb hosts are eager to avoid the legal and financial risks of non-compliance, and we’re here to help!

In this article, we’ll break down the latest Montreal Airbnb rules, from permit requirements and restricted rental periods to taxes. We’ll also offer tips to help you stay on the right side of Montreal Airbnb laws while still running a profitable rental.

Don’t see the form to download our vacation rental agreement? Click here.

Is Montreal Airbnb-friendly?

Although Montreal is still open to Airbnb and short-term rentals, it is considerably less Airbnb-friendly than most other cities. In fact, in March of 2025, the city imposed some of the strictest short-term rental laws in the world, in an effort to crack down on illegal listings and ease the housing crunch.

Now, Montreal allows Airbnb rentals only under very specific conditions. If you meet those conditions, you can legally host guests—we’ll get into those details in a moment. But if you don’t, Montreal won’t hesitate to issue fines or shut you down.

In short, Montreal can be Airbnb-friendly for hosts who play by the rules, and very tough on those who don’t.

Montreal Airbnb rules

Montreal’s Airbnb laws cover when you can rent, what kind of properties you can rent, and what permits or approvals you need. Here’s an overview of some of the rules every host must follow.

Permitted rental period

Montreal now limits short-term rentals to a specific season. In most cases, you can only rent out your property for stays of 31 days or less between June 10 and September 10 each year.

This roughly three-month summer window is considered the peak tourist season. Outside of that period, renting your place short-term (for under a month) is prohibited in residential areas.

Principal residence requirement

Only your principal residence can be rented out on a short-term basis under the general rules in Montreal. In other words, you’re allowed to Airbnb the home you live in (your main residence), and only during that summer window, as noted above.

Permit requirements

Montreal has implemented the following permit requirements for those who want to rent their home on Airbnb:

  • Quebec tourist accommodation registration (CITQ): The province of Quebec requires all hosts to obtain a classification certificate from the CITQ (Corporation de l’Industrie Touristique du Québec) if you are renting for 31 days or less.
  • Montreal host permit: In addition to the CITQ certificate, Montreal now mandates a municipal permit for short-term rentals in a principal residence. The permit costs $300 and is issued by the city.
  • Occupancy permit for commercial rentals: What if you have a property that is not your primary residence, and you want to use it as an Airbnb? In that case, Montreal treats it differently, basically like running a small hotel or tourist home. You would need to be in an authorized commercial zone and obtain a certificate of occupancy from the borough for a tourist accommodation.

For a broader overview of licenses, taxes, and legal steps needed to run rentals, check out Lodgify’s guide to laws, licenses, and taxes for short-term rentals.

Enforcement of regulations and fines for noncompliance

Montreal isn’t stopping at writing strict rules on paper—the city is actively enforcing them with:

Montreal Airbnb taxes

Beyond following permit rules, Montreal Airbnb hosts also need to handle the taxes associated with short-term rentals.

Here are a few key points to keep in mind:

  • Lodging tax (3.5%): Charged on rentals of 31 nights or fewer. Airbnb collects and remits this for you, but if you use other platforms or take direct bookings, you’re responsible for registering with Revenu Québec and paying it yourself.
  • GST/QST: If you earn more than $30,000/year from rentals, you must register and charge federal GST (5%) and Quebec QST (~9.975%).
  • Income tax: All rental income must be reported on your provincial and federal returns.
  • Municipal tax: If your property is used occasionally as a short-term rental, your tax rate usually stays the same. But if it becomes a full-time rental, it may be reclassified and taxed at a higher commercial rate.

FAQs about Montreal Airbnb regulations

Next, let’s move on to addressing some common questions (and frustrations) that Montreal hosts and residents have about the Airbnb crackdown and rules.

Is Montreal cracking down on Airbnb?

Yes, Montreal has significantly cracked down on Airbnb and short-term rentals. In 2023 and 2025, the city introduced strict new regulations that dramatically limit when and how you can rent out properties for short terms.

What are the new rules for Airbnb in Montreal?

The new rules for Airbnb in Montreal (as of 2025) include the following major points:

  • Short-term rentals (stays under 31 days) in residential areas are only allowed during a specific period each year: June 10 to September 10.
  • You can only rent out your primary residence (the home you live in).
  • All hosts must register and get permits. You need a provincial registration (CITQ certificate with a registration number) and a city permit/license to host legally.
  • Hosts must follow any borough-specific zoning rules.
  • Strict enforcement is in place: expect inspectors, potential fines up to $50,000 for violations, and requirements to prove your listing is compliant.

Are Airbnbs legal in Old Montreal?

Airbnbs in Old Montreal must follow the strict rules set by the city’s short-term rental bylaw, which limits rentals to a 92-day window between June 10 and September 10. Additionally, permit requirements and other regulations must be carefully adhered to.

Given Old Montreal’s historic significance and its past association with illegal listings (including a tragic fire in 2023), the area is under especially close scrutiny from inspectors.

Can my neighbor stop my Airbnb in Montreal?

A neighbor cannot directly shut down your Airbnb by themselves, but they can certainly trigger enforcement if your rental is not compliant or is causing issues. Montreal has made it easy for residents to report suspect listings (via calling 311 or an online form), and the city will send inspectors to investigate.

Need help managing your Airbnb in Montreal?

Given the strict regulations and the consequences of noncompliance, Montreal’s Airbnb hosts are under a lot of pressure. This is where leveraging the right tools and services can be a game-changer.

One such tool that can help Montreal hosts manage their vacation rentals with ease and confidence? Lodgify. Lodgify offers an all-in-one vacation rental software platform for hosts and property managers, featuring tools such as a channel manager and a website builder.

Want to see for yourself? Book a demo call or sign up for a free Lodgify trial here.

Don’t see the form to download our vacation rental agreement? Click here.