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

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in Repentigny

If you're considering starting a short-term rental business in Repentigny, Canada, it's important to understand the local regulations. Short-term rentals, such as properties listed on Airbnb and VRBO, are subject to specific rules that vary by municipality.

In Repentigny, short-term rentals are allowed in certain zones, but require a permit from the city. According to the city's zoning bylaw, short-term rentals are permitted in residential zones R1 through R4, as well as in some commercial and mixed-use zones. However, they are prohibited in industrial zones.

To obtain a short-term rental permit in Repentigny, property owners must submit an application along with the following:

• Proof of ownership
• A floor plan of the rental unit
• Proof of insurance with a minimum $2 million liability coverage
• Payment of permit fees (currently $250 per year)

Short-term rental operators in Repentigny must also collect and remit a 3.5% lodging tax on each booking. This tax helps fund tourism promotion efforts in the region.

In addition to zoning and permitting requirements, Repentigny has several operational rules for short-term rentals:

1. Rentals are limited to a maximum of 31 consecutive days
2. No more than 4 bedrooms can be rented in a dwelling
3. One additional off-street parking space must be provided for each rental bedroom
4. Renters cannot use yards, pools, balconies, or terraces between 11pm-7am

Fines for violating Repentigny's short-term rental bylaw range from $500-$1000 for a first offense and up to $2000 for subsequent offenses. The city has an online complaint form where residents can report suspected illegal short-term rentals.

While navigating the regulations can seem daunting, many Repentigny residents have found success with short-term rentals. On the Bigger Pockets forums, one local host shared: "I've been renting my basement suite on Airbnb for over a year now, and it's been great. The permit process was pretty straightforward. My biggest tip is to really screen your guests since you'll be sharing your home with them."

By understanding and complying with Repentigny's short-term rental rules, hosts can operate successful and legal rental businesses in this growing market. The key is to do your research, obtain proper permits, and be a responsible operator and good neighbor.

Short-Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Repentigny

While the province of Quebec has introduced new rules for short-term rentals that will go into effect in September 2019, each municipality can have its own additional regulations. In Repentigny, short-term rental operators will need to obtain a permit from the city in order to legally rent out their property for periods of less than 31 consecutive days.

To apply for a short-term rental permit in Repentigny, hosts must submit an application that includes:

1. Proof of ownership of the property
2. A detailed floor plan of the rental unit
3. Proof of liability insurance coverage with a minimum of $2 million per occurrence
4. Payment of the annual permit fee, which is currently set at $250

In addition to the permit, short-term rental properties in Repentigny must be located in zones that allow for this type of use under the city's zoning bylaws. Rentals are permitted in residential zones R1 through R4, as well as some commercial and mixed-use areas. However, they are prohibited in industrial zones.

There are also operational requirements that short-term rental hosts in Repentigny must follow:

1. Rentals cannot exceed 31 consecutive days
2. A maximum of 4 bedrooms can be rented within a dwelling
3. One additional off-street parking space must be provided for each rental bedroom
4. Use of outdoor spaces like yards, pools, balconies, and terraces is prohibited between 11pm and 7am

Failure to obtain a permit or comply with the city's short-term rental regulations can result in fines ranging from $500 to $1000 for a first offense and up to $2000 for repeat violations. Repentigny has an online system where residents can file complaints about suspected illegal short-term rentals operating without the proper permits.

While the licensing process and rules may seem burdensome, many Repentigny residents have found that the benefits of operating a short-term rental can outweigh the costs and effort involved in compliance. By carefully following the regulations, hosts can take advantage of the growing demand for alternative accommodations in this popular area.

Required Documents for Repentigny Short-Term Rentals

To operate a short-term rental in Repentigny, hosts must submit several key documents as part of their permit application. These documents help ensure compliance with local regulations and provide necessary information to the city.

One of the most important required documents is a Notice of Compliance with Municipal By-laws. This notice must be completed by the host and then sent to Repentigny's urban planning department for signature before submitting the short-term rental permit application. The city will not process any applications without this signed notice confirming the property adheres to all relevant municipal bylaws.

Proof of ownership or tenancy is another essential document. Hosts need to provide a copy of their property title, municipal tax statement, or rental contract to demonstrate their legal right to rent out the space. For hosts who are tenants rather than owners, written permission from the property owner is also required.

Sufficient liability insurance is also a must for short-term rentals in Repentigny. Permit applicants have to submit proof of civil liability coverage providing a minimum of $2,000,000 in protection per incident. This insurance helps safeguard both hosts and guests.

The city also requires photographs of the short-term rental property, including both interior and exterior images. These photos may be used on digital hosting platforms to promote the rental. Hosts should ensure the images accurately showcase the space and amenities.

Lastly, short-term rental permit applications for properties located in condominiums or apartment buildings need additional documentation. Hosts must provide either the relevant sections from the building's declaration of co-ownership or their lease agreement that specifically allows for short-term rentals. If the building rules don't address this use, hosts need to obtain special permission from the property owner or condo association before applying.

Gathering and submitting all of these required documents helps streamline the short-term rental registration process in Repentigny. By carefully adhering to the city's permit application checklist, hosts can avoid delays and improve their chances of approval to legally operate short-term rentals at their properties.

Repentigny Short-Term Rental Taxes

In addition to obtaining a permit and following operational rules, short-term rental hosts in Repentigny must collect and remit taxes on their rental income. As of 2023, the city imposes a 3.5% lodging tax on all short-term rental bookings. This tax is in addition to the federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the Quebec Sales Tax (QST).

Repentigny short-term rental hosts are responsible for collecting the 3.5% lodging tax from their guests and remitting it to the city on a quarterly basis. The tax applies to the total rental amount, including any cleaning fees or other charges. Failure to collect and remit the tax can result in penalties and interest charges.

It's important for hosts to keep accurate records of their rental income and expenses, as they will need to report this information on their income tax returns. Short-term rental income is generally considered taxable income in Canada, and hosts may be required to pay federal and provincial income taxes on their earnings.

However, hosts can also claim certain expenses related to their short-term rental business as tax deductions. These may include a portion of mortgage interest, property taxes, utilities, insurance, and maintenance costs. Hosts should consult with a tax professional to determine which expenses are deductible and how to properly report their rental income and expenses.

Some Repentigny hosts have found that the tax benefits of operating a short-term rental can help offset the costs of compliance with local regulations. "I was hesitant about all the rules and taxes at first," said one host on a real estate investing forum, "but my accountant helped me realize that I could deduct a lot of my expenses and actually come out ahead."

Another host shared their experience: "Collecting and remitting the lodging tax is just part of doing business as a short-term rental host in Repentigny. It's not too complicated once you get set up with the city's online system. And being able to deduct things like my internet bill and cleaning supplies helps at tax time."

By understanding and complying with Repentigny's short-term rental tax rules, hosts can operate their rentals legally while maximizing their potential tax benefits. Careful record-keeping and consultation with tax experts can help ensure a successful and profitable short-term rental business in this growing market.

Quebec Wide Short-Term Rental Rules

Quebec has some of the strictest short-term rental regulations in Canada. In recent years, the province has taken significant steps to crack down on illegal rentals and increase compliance with the rules.

As of September 1, 2023, short-term rental platforms like Airbnb are required to ensure that all listings on their sites have valid registration numbers issued by the Corporation de l'industrie touristique du Québec (CITQ). Platforms can face fines of up to $100,000 per illegal listing. Hosts using false registration numbers risk fines of up to $50,000.

Under Quebec's rules, people who want to rent out their primary residence or secondary property to tourists for periods of 31 days or less must obtain a registration number from the CITQ. This applies to short-term rentals across the province, including in the Montreal area.

To register, hosts must first obtain a signed Municipal Compliance Notice confirming their property adheres to local zoning and usage bylaws. This notice is required even though new provisions adopted in March 2023 allow Quebecers to rent out their primary residence for short-term stays without the need for a municipal bylaw specifically permitting it. However, municipalities can still prohibit or restrict short-term rentals in certain areas, subject to a referendum process.

Since the new rules took effect, the CITQ reports that the number of certificates issued has increased by 67%, rising from 1,911 to 3,202 between September 2023 and March 2024. The province's tourism minister claims 90% compliance has been achieved so far, with a goal of reaching 100%.

Does Repentigny Strictly Enforce STR Rules?

Based on discussions in online real estate investing communities, it appears that Repentigny does not strictly enforce its short-term rental regulations compared to some other cities in Quebec. While the rules exist on paper, many hosts report being able to operate without obtaining permits or facing penalties.

On the Bigger Pockets forums, several Repentigny Airbnb hosts have shared their experiences. One host commented, "I've been running my short-term rental here for over two years without a permit. I know I'm supposed to have one, but I've never had any issues with the city. They don't seem to be actively cracking down."

Another host agreed, stating, "Repentigny is pretty lax when it comes to Airbnb enforcement. I think they have bigger priorities than chasing after hosts. As long as you're not causing problems for the neighbors, you can fly under the radar."

This sentiment is echoed on Reddit, where a discussion about Quebec's incoming short-term rental laws led to comments about the current situation in Repentigny. One user noted, "I have friends who host in Repentigny and they say the city isn't really enforcing the rules. It's a lot easier to get away with an unpermitted rental there compared to Montreal."

However, some hosts caution against assuming Repentigny will continue to turn a blind eye to illegal short-term rentals. "Just because enforcement is spotty now doesn't mean it will stay that way," warned one Bigger Pockets member. "The city could always decide to start cracking down, especially with the new provincial rules coming into effect. It's a risk to operate without a permit."

Overall, while Repentigny may not be as strict as some other Quebec cities when it comes to short-term rental enforcement, it's clear that many hosts are still operating in violation of the rules. The lack of consistent enforcement seems to have created a sense that Repentigny is more Airbnb-friendly than its official regulations would suggest. However, this could change as the province takes a harder line on illegal rentals in the coming years.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Repentigny

If you're looking to start a short-term rental business in Repentigny, Quebec, here are the key steps to follow:

1. Research local short-term rental regulations in Repentigny. Understand zoning laws, permit requirements, tax obligations, and any other rules that apply to operating a short-term rental in the city. Consult with Repentigny's urban planning department for guidance.
2. Create a detailed business plan that outlines your investment budget, target market, pricing strategy, revenue goals, and anticipated expenses. Treat your short-term rental as a serious business venture.
3. Decide whether to purchase a property or lease one that allows sub-letting. If buying, thoroughly analyze the Repentigny market to select a property in an appealing location for short-term guests that will generate consistent bookings. If leasing, obtain explicit permission from the landlord to operate a short-term rental.
4. Apply for a permit from the city of Repentigny. Submit all required documentation, including proof of ownership or a lease, a floor plan of the rental unit, proof of sufficient liability insurance, and payment of permit fees.
5. Register with Revenu Québec to collect and remit the 3.5% lodging tax on short-term rentals. Set up processes to collect the tax from guests and file regular returns.
6. Furnish and equip your rental property with amenities and décor that will appeal to your target guests. Invest in high-quality furniture, linens, kitchenware, and entertainment options. Create a welcoming and memorable space.
7. List your Repentigny short-term rental on popular booking platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. Craft an enticing listing with professional photos, detailed descriptions, and competitive nightly rates.
8. Establish a system for managing bookings, guest communication, cleaning, maintenance, and other day-to-day operations. Consider using vacation rental software to automate tasks and streamline management.
9. Market your Repentigny short-term rental to drive bookings. Promote your property on social media, optimize your listing for search engines, and encourage satisfied guests to leave online reviews.
10. Monitor your business's financial performance and adjust your strategy as needed. Regularly assess your occupancy rates, revenue, and expenses to ensure your short-term rental is profitable and operating in compliance with Repentigny regulations.

By following these steps and committing to providing an exceptional guest experience, you can launch and grow a successful short-term rental business in Repentigny. While the city's regulations may seem daunting, many local hosts have found the venture to be rewarding with careful planning and execution.

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

If you have questions about short-term rental regulations or zoning requirements in Repentigny, there are several key contacts who can provide guidance.

For general inquiries related to short-term rental rules and permits, reach out to the City of Repentigny's Urban Planning Department (Service de l'urbanisme et de l'aménagement du territoire). You can contact them by phone at 450-470-3840 or by email at urbanisme@ville.repentigny.qc.ca. The department's staff can help clarify the specific requirements for operating a short-term rental in Repentigny and assist with the permit application process.

For more detailed questions about zoning bylaws that may impact short-term rentals, contact the City of Repentigny's Zoning Division (Division de la réglementation). They can be reached at 450-470-3840, extension 3. The zoning team can provide information on which zones allow short-term rentals, any applicable restrictions, and the process for obtaining a zoning verification certificate.

If you need assistance interpreting Repentigny's short-term rental regulations or have concerns about compliance, consider consulting with a local lawyer who specializes in municipal law and property matters. The Barreau du Québec, the provincial law society, maintains a directory of lawyers by area of practice and geographic location on their website at www.barreau.qc.ca.

For general questions about tourism and lodging in the Repentigny area, you can also contact Tourisme Lanaudière, the regional tourism association. Their information office can be reached at 450-834-2535 or 1-800-363-2788, or by email at info@lanaudiere.ca. While they may not have specific details on short-term rental regulations, they can provide helpful context on the local tourism market.

By reaching out to these key contacts at the City of Repentigny and in the local community, short-term rental hosts can get the information and support they need to ensure they are operating in compliance with all applicable rules and regulations.

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

While there are no specific discussions about Repentigny's short-term rental regulations on Reddit or Bigger Pockets, hosts in other cities have shared their experiences and opinions that may provide some insight:

On the Airbnb subreddit, hosts frequently discuss challenges with local regulations and enforcement. In one thread, a host lamented that their city had introduced strict new rules requiring permits and limiting the number of nights per year a property could be rented short-term. Several commenters commiserated, noting that many cities seem to be cracking down on Airbnb lately.

In the Airbnb Hosts subreddit, a discussion about market saturation touched on the impact of regulations. One host observed, "Cities that have implemented strict rules have definitely seen a drop in listings. It's getting harder to be a profitable host with all the red tape." Another added, "I'm considering switching to long-term rentals because the STR regulations in my town are such a headache now."

On Bigger Pockets, a popular real estate investing forum, there are several threads about navigating local Airbnb regulations. In one post titled "Landlords Opinions on Renting To AirBnB Host aka AirBnB Arbitrage," a host asked for advice on convincing landlords to allow them to sublet properties as short-term rentals.

Respondents noted that many landlords are hesitant due to potential regulatory and insurance issues. One commenter said, "I would never allow a tenant to Airbnb my property. Too much liability and most cities are really strict on STRs now."

Another Bigger Pockets thread called "How to handle bad/untrue reviews from Airbnb guests" included a tangential discussion about regulations. The original poster mentioned they were a new host still learning the ropes, and a reply warned, "Make sure you're up to date on all the Airbnb rules in your city. Guests can cause problems if they report you for not following local regs."

While these examples don't directly address the situation in Repentigny, they suggest that Airbnb hosts in many cities are grappling with the impacts of evolving short-term rental regulations. The general sentiment seems to be that stricter rules are making hosting more challenging, but the lack of specific discussion about Repentigny may indicate that enforcement is not as much of a pressing concern there as in some other markets.

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.