Traditional accommodations and Airbnb tourist accommodations

All the recent discussions about Airbnb-type tourist accommodations remind us that it is important for landlords and their tenants to understand the legislation that applies in this situation.

Firstly, the lease of a traditional accommodation does not allow for short-term tourist accommodation (less than 32 days). In other words, tenants cannot list their accommodations on tourist accommodation platforms without the consent of their landlord. Failure to obtain the landlord’s consent may have consequences such as the termination of the lease before the Tribunal administratif du logement.

Secondly, landlords and their tenants who wish to offer short-term accommodation must register with the Corporation de l’industrie touristique du Québec (CITQ), even if the rented property is the main residence. You must have a notice of compliance from the municipality, proof of $2 million in third-party liability insurance, and a classification certificate issued by the CITQ. Otherwise, you are breaking the law.

Strengthening control mechanisms is crucial, but so is protecting the rental housing stock from tourist accommodation. CORPIQ intends to lobby for this.