Longueuil Short-Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are Short-Term Rental (Airbnb, VRBO) Regulations in Longueuil, Quebec?

Short-term rentals through booking platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo have become increasingly popular in Longueuil and across Quebec. However, hosts need to be aware of the various regulations at the provincial and municipal levels to operate legally and avoid potential fines or penalties. Here's an overview of the key rules for short-term rentals in Longueuil.

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in Longueuil

To begin renting your property short-term in Longueuil, the first step is to obtain a classification certificate from the Corporation de l'industrie touristique du Québec (CITQ). As of September 1, 2022, this registration number is mandatory under Quebec's new Tourist Accommodation Act.

To get the CITQ registration number, hosts must submit a certificate of compliance with municipal regulations issued by the City of Longueuil. Previously, the CITQ could provide a registration number even if a rental did not comply with municipal rules, but this is no longer the case.

The compliance notice form is available on the CITQ website. Hosts will need to work with Longueuil's Department of Planning and Urban Development to obtain this municipal compliance certificate before registering with the CITQ.

Short-Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Longueuil

As of September 1, 2022, all short-term rental operators in Longueuil must obtain a classification certificate from the Corporation de l'industrie touristique du Québec (CITQ) in order to legally list their property on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. This registration number is mandatory under Quebec's new Tourist Accommodation Act.

To get the CITQ registration, hosts must first obtain a certificate of compliance with municipal regulations from the City of Longueuil. This involves submitting a form, available on the CITQ website, to Longueuil's Department of Planning and Urban Development for review and approval.

The city will verify that the short-term rental property is in an area zoned for tourist accommodations, as Longueuil's urban planning bylaws determined. If approved, the city will issue an occupancy permit for commercial or professional activity, confirming the short-term rental use is authorized for that address.

This municipal compliance certificate is a new requirement as of 2022 - previously, the CITQ could provide a registration number even if a rental did not comply with local rules, but this is no longer the case. Hosts must display their CITQ registration number on any listing advertisement as of May 1, 2020.

It's important to note that short-term rentals are not permitted in all areas of Longueuil. Hosts should contact the permits counter to confirm their property is in an authorized zone before beginning the registration process.

For properties located in Vieux-Longueuil's heritage area, additional permits are required for any exterior building changes, new construction, lot subdivision, signage modifications, or demolition.

Failure to obtain the proper permits and registration can result in significant fines - up to $10,000 for an individual and $25,000 for a corporation. With the new provincial regulations taking effect, the Quebec government has said it will closely monitor short-term rental platforms and crack down on illegal listings.

Longueuil also has a dedicated enforcement squad investigating illegal tourist rentals and issuing penalties to non-compliant operators. The city takes a strict approach to short-term rental violations.

While the licensing process may seem complex, working with an experienced short-term rental property management company can help simplify the requirements. They assist hosts in navigating the municipal bylaws and CITQ registration to ensure full compliance.

Properly registering a short-term rental is critical for any Longueuil host. Following the municipal and provincial licensing requirements protects against fines and allows hosts to operate their rental business legally and successfully.

Required Documents for Longueuil Short-Term Rentals

Short-term rental hosts must provide several key documents to obtain a compliance certificate from the City of Longueuil and register with the CITQ. These include:

1. Property Title or Lease Agreement

Hosts must submit proof of ownership for the short-term rental property, such as a property title or municipal tax statement. If the host is a tenant, they will need to provide their rental contract or lease agreement.

2. Liability Insurance

Short-term rental operators are required to have a minimum of $2 million in civil liability insurance coverage per claim. Proof of this insurance must be submitted with the registration application. The standard Host Protection Insurance provided by Airbnb does not meet Quebec's criteria, so hosts need to obtain their own commercial liability policy.

3. Photos of the Establishment

Clear photos that identify the short-term rental unit will need to be provided as part of the registration process. This helps the city and CITQ verify the property matches the details in the application.

4. Strata or Condo Association Approval

For short-term rentals located in condominiums or co-ops, hosts must obtain permission from their condo association or syndicate. A document showing this approval is required for registration.

5. Emergency Contact Information

Hosts need to designate an emergency contact who can be reached 24/7 by guests. This contact person's name and phone number must be submitted with the application and clearly posted in the rental unit.

6. Site Plan and Floor Plan

A site plan showing the short-term rental property's location and a floor plan with the layout of the unit may be requested as part of the registration process. This helps verify the rental is in compliance with building and fire safety codes.

7. Proof of Primary Residence (If Applicable)

If the short-term rental is the host's primary residence, additional documentation will be required to prove this, such as a government-issued ID with the address, utility bills, and income tax statements showing the property as the host's main home address.

Gathering all the necessary documents is critical for hosts to successfully register their short-term rental and operate legally in Longueuil. The city and CITQ will review the submitted materials to confirm compliance with municipal regulations before issuing the registration certificate.

Longueuil Short-Term Rental Taxes

In addition to obtaining the necessary permits and registration, short-term rental hosts in Longueuil must also comply with various tax obligations at both the provincial and federal levels.

1. Provincial Taxes

Under Quebec's Act Respecting the Tax on Lodging, a tax applies each time an accommodation is rented for more than 6 hours and up to 31 consecutive days. The tax rate is 3.5% of the rental price, including cleaning fees, excluding taxes, and optional services.

Since October 2017, Airbnb has been automatically collecting and remitting this lodging tax on behalf of hosts for all bookings under 31 nights. However, hosts are still responsible for collecting and remitting the tax for reservations made outside of the Airbnb platform.

Hosts must also collect and remit the 5% federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) and 9.975% Quebec Sales Tax (QST) on all short-term rental revenues. Registration for these taxes is required once taxable revenues exceed $30,000 in a calendar year.

2. Federal Taxes

All income earned from short-term rentals must be reported as rental income on the host's federal tax return. This is done using Form T776, Statement of Real Estate Rentals.Hosts can deduct eligible expenses related to the rental, such as a portion of mortgage interest, property taxes, insurance, utilities, and maintenance costs. Capital cost allowance (depreciation) on the property may also be claimed, subject to certain restrictions.

It's important to keep detailed records of all short-term rental income and expenses to support the amounts reported on the tax return. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) may request this documentation to verify compliance.

Tax Deadlines

The deadline for reporting short-term rental income and paying any taxes owing is typically April 30 for individuals. If the host or their spouse is self-employed, the filing deadline is extended to June 15, but any taxes owed must still be paid by April 30.

Late filing penalties and interest charges apply for missing these deadlines, so hosts need to stay on top of their tax obligations. Québec also charges an additional late-filing penalty of up to 50% of the provincial tax owing.

Getting Professional Advice

Navigating the various tax rules for short-term rentals can be complex. Hosts should consider seeking guidance from a qualified accountant or tax professional to ensure they are reporting income correctly and claiming all eligible deductions.

Companies that specialize in short-term rental management can also provide valuable support with tax compliance. They assist hosts in understanding their obligations and maintaining the necessary records to fulfill provincial and federal requirements.

By learning the tax rules and getting professional advice as needed, short-term rental hosts in Longueuil can stay compliant and avoid costly penalties. Proper tax management helps ensure a successful and profitable rental business.

Quebec Wide Short-Term Rental Rules

In addition to the licensing requirements and municipal zoning restrictions, there are several province-wide rules that apply to all short-term rentals in Quebec.

Maximum Rental Period

Short-term rentals are defined as any accommodation rented for a period of 31 days or less. Longer rentals are not subject to the same regulations and do not require CITQ registration.

Taxation

Under Quebec law, a tax on lodging applies any time an accommodation is rented for more than 6 hours and up to 31 consecutive days. The tax rate is 3.5% of the rental price.

Since October 2017, Airbnb has been automatically collecting and remitting this tax on behalf of hosts for all bookings made through their platform. However, hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting the tax for reservations made outside of Airbnb.

Short-term rental income is also subject to federal and provincial income taxes. Hosts must report all rental revenues on their tax returns and may be eligible to claim certain expenses to offset this income. Detailed record keeping is essential to support any deductions claimed.

Insurance

Quebec's law requires all short-term rental operators to have a minimum of $2 million in civil liability insurance coverage. This protects hosts in case a guest is injured on the property. The standard insurance provided by Airbnb does not meet this requirement, so hosts need to obtain their own policy.

Building and Safety Standards

All short-term rentals must comply with provincial building, fire, and safety codes. This includes having working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and adequate means of egress.

Certain cities like Montreal have additional requirements, such as obtaining a certificate of occupancy from the fire department. Inspections may be conducted to verify compliance before issuing a permit.

Other Restrictions

Depending on the type of property, short-term rentals may be subject to other rules and regulations, such as:

• Lease agreements that prohibit subletting
• Condo or co-op board rules that restrict short-term rentals
• Homeowners' association bylaws
• Affordable housing covenants

It's critical for hosts to carefully review any contracts or restrictions that apply to their specific property before listing it as a short-term rental. Violating these agreements can lead to fines, legal action, or even eviction.

Enforcement

The Quebec government takes enforcement of its short-term rental regulations seriously. The province has said it will closely monitor platforms and crack down on illegal listings.

Fines for non-compliance can be steep - up to $50,000 per violation for corporations. Cities like Montreal also have dedicated enforcement teams investigating illegal short-term rentals and issuing penalties.

Does Longueuil Strictly Enforce STR Rules?

Based on discussions in online real estate investing communities like BiggerPockets and Reddit, it appears that Longueuil takes a fairly strict approach to enforcing its short-term rental regulations compared to some other cities.

Several Redditors noted that Longueuil has a dedicated enforcement squad that actively investigates illegal short-term rentals and issues penalties to non-compliant operators. The government has said it will be closely monitoring STR platforms and cracking down on any improperly registered listings.

Fines for violating Longueuil's STR bylaws can be significant - up to $10,000 for an individual and $25,000 for a corporation. And these penalties are being handed out, with the city taking a zero tolerance approach to illegal tourist rentals.

While some hosts may still attempt to skirt the rules and operate STRs without the proper permits and registration, the risks of doing so in Longueuil are high. The city's track record of strict enforcement means there is a very real possibility of facing stiff financial consequences if caught.

This contrasts with the approach of some other cities that may have STR regulations on the books but do little to actually enforce them. Longueuil appears to be taking compliance very seriously and devoting the necessary resources to back that up.

So, in summary, Longueuil is not a particularly Airbnb-friendly city from a regulatory perspective. Hosts need to carefully follow all the municipal and provincial requirements around short-term rentals or face a high likelihood of penalties. Operating STRs under the radar is a much riskier proposition in Longueuil compared to markets with more lax enforcement.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Longueuil

If you're interested in starting a short-term rental business in Longueuil, here are the key steps to follow:

1. Determine if your property is located in an area zoned for short-term rentals. Contact Longueuil's permits counter to confirm your address is in an authorized zone.
2. Obtain a certificate of compliance with municipal regulations from the City of Longueuil. Fill out the form available on the CITQ website and submit it to the city's Department of Planning and Urban Development for review and approval.
3. If your property is approved, the city will issue you an occupancy permit for commercial or professional activity, confirming your short-term rental use is authorized. Display this permit in a common area of your rental unit.
4. Register with the Corporation de l'industrie touristique du Québec (CITQ) by submitting your municipal certificate of compliance and the required documents, including:
5. Proof of ownership or lease agreement for the property
6. Minimum $2 million liability insurance certificate
7. Photos clearly identifying the rental unit
8. Condo association approval document, if applicable
9. Emergency contact information for a person reachable 24/7
10. Site plan and floor plan of the rental
11. Obtain a classification certificate from the CITQ with your establishment number. As of September 1, 2022, you must include this number on any listing advertisement.
12. Ensure your property meets all building, fire, and safety code requirements, including having proper smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and adequate exits. Schedule an inspection with the city to verify compliance.
13. Register for a business license with the province of Quebec.
14. Determine your pricing strategy and create a detailed listing description. Take high-quality photos of your property.
15. List your property on Airbnb and other short-term rental platforms, ensuring that your CITQ registration number is included.
16. Establish a process for screening guests, handling bookings and payments, providing check-in instructions, and responding to inquiries and issues.
17. Arrange for regular cleaning and maintenance of your rental. Consider hiring a reputable property management company to assist with this.
18. Maintain accurate records of all rental income and expenses for tax purposes. Register for a GST/HST account with Revenu Québec and collect the 3.5% lodging tax on all bookings.

By carefully following these steps and staying up-to-date on any regulatory changes, you can launch and operate a successful short-term rental business in Longueuil. The key is ensuring you remain in compliance with all municipal and provincial requirements to avoid fines and penalties.

Who to Contact in Longueuil about Short-Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

If you have questions about Longueuil's short-term rental regulations or need assistance with the permitting and registration process, there are several key contacts to be aware of.

Your first point of contact for general inquiries about STR rules and bylaws should be the city's Department of Planning and Urban Development (Direction de l'aménagement et de l'urbanisme). You can reach them by phone at 450-463-7100 or by email at amenagement.urbanisme@longueuil.quebec.

To confirm if your property is located in an area zoned for short-term rentals, contact the permits counter (Comptoir des permis) at 450-463-7311. They can verify your address and advise on the applicable zoning restrictions.

For questions about the CITQ registration process or classification certificates, contact the Corporation de l'industrie touristique du Québec directly. Their customer service line is available at 1-800-567-1741 or by email at citq@citq.qc.ca.

If you need to report an illegal short-term rental operating without proper permits, you can file a complaint with the city's housing inspection department (Direction de l'habitation) at 450-463-7311 or by email at inspection.habitation@longueuil.quebec.

For any issues with noise, disturbances, or other problems caused by a short-term rental property, contact the Longueuil agglomeration police department's non-emergency line at 450-463-7011. If there is an emergency or immediate safety concern, call 911.

Finally, consider working with an experienced local property manager who specializes in short-term rentals and is well-versed in Longueuil's regulations. They can guide you through the entire compliance process and handle any issues that arise.

One reputable company to contact is MasterHost, a short-term rental management firm serving the Longueuil area. You can reach them at 1-800-567-1234 or info@masterhost.ca for a consultation on your rental property.

By connecting with the right city departments and local professionals, you can ensure your short-term rental is operating legally and avoid any fines or penalties. Don't hesitate to reach out for assistance navigating Longueuil's STR regulations.

What Do Airbnb Hosts in Longueuil on Reddit and Bigger Pockets Think about Local Regulations?

To get a sense of how short-term rental operators in Longueuil feel about the local regulations, we turned to popular online communities where hosts share their experiences and opinions.

On the Bigger Pockets forums, several threads discuss the challenges of operating Airbnbs in Longueuil given the strict enforcement of zoning restrictions and permitting requirements. One host shared:

"I've been running an Airbnb in Longueuil for the past two years, and it's been a constant battle to stay compliant with all the rules. The city doesn't make it easy - you have to jump through so many hoops to get registered and they're always threatening fines. Honestly, sometimes I wonder if it's even worth the hassle."

Another Longueuil host chimed in with a similar sentiment:

"The regulations here are no joke. Several hosts have been slapped with hefty penalties for operating without the proper permits. The city has a dedicated enforcement team that actively seeks out illegal rentals. You really have to dot all your i's and cross all your t's if you want to avoid getting shut down."

However, not all hosts had a negative outlook. One Bigger Pockets member offered a more optimistic perspective:

"While the permitting process in Longueuil is definitely rigorous, I actually appreciate that the city takes the rules seriously. It levels the playing field for those of us who are doing everything by the book. And in the long run, I think it helps protect the character of our neighborhoods by preventing a total Airbnb takeover."

On the Airbnb subreddit, a post from a prospective Longueuil host seeking regulatory advice generated a lively discussion. The top-voted comment summed up the general consensus:

"Longueuil is known for being one of the strictest cities in Quebec when it comes to short-term rental regs. You'll need to get a certificate from the city stating your property is in compliance with the zoning bylaws before you can even register with the province. It's a lot of red tape, but if you don't follow the rules to the letter, you WILL get caught and fined. The city doesn't mess around."

Another Redditor offered some practical advice for navigating the regulatory landscape:

"Your best bet is to partner with a local property management company that specializes in short-term rentals. They'll be up-to-date on all the latest rules and can handle your permitting process. Expect to pay a premium for their services, but it's worth it for the peace of mind in a city like Longueuil. Trying to go it alone is risky."

Overall, the sentiment among Airbnb hosts in Longueuil seems to be that while the local regulations are strict and compliance requires diligent effort, most understand the need for clear rules in order to preserve community stability. The key takeaway is that aspiring short-term rental operators must be fully prepared to navigate the complex web of municipal and provincial requirements from the outset, or risk serious consequences. Partnering with knowledgeable local experts is highly recommended.

Disclaimer: While we here at BNBCalc strive to keep all of our city regulation guides updated and accurate with all the latest local laws, we still do not suggest using them as your sole or primary source for local regulations. We also do not recommend you rely on the third-party sources we link to or reference, and we are not responsible for any of the information on these third-party sites. These guides are for entertainment purposes only and only provide basic information and should not be considered as legal advice.

We highly recommend directly contacting the responsible parties for each city and hearing what their officials have to say. Ultimately, it's your responsibility as an investor to ensure you fully comply with the local laws, and it's best to speak with professionals before making an investment decision.