Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Canada Short-Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are Short-Term Rental (Airbnb, VRBO) Regulations in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec?

Short-term rentals through booking platforms like Airbnb and VRBO have become increasingly popular in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu and across Quebec. However, there are a number of regulations property owners need to be aware of before listing their home or condo as a short-term rental.

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu

If you are considering starting a short-term rental business in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, there are several key things to keep in mind:

• Check local zoning laws: Before listing your property, make sure it is zoned for short-term rentals. Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu may limit rentals to 30 days or less and restrict the number of guests allowed. Short-term rentals may also be prohibited in certain areas or limited to primary residences only.
• Obtain a permit: As of September 1, 2022, Quebec law requires short-term rental operators to register and obtain a permit from the Corporation de l'industrie touristique du Québec (CITQ). You will need to provide proof of ownership, insurance, photos, and demonstrate compliance with municipal bylaws. Fines of up to $50,000 can apply for listing a property without a valid permit number.
• Verify condo rules: If your property is part of a condo association, carefully review the declaration of co-ownership. The condo board may prohibit short-term rentals entirely or have restrictions on usage. Rules can also change over time to eliminate short-term rentals.
• Form a business entity: Experts recommend treating your short-term rental as a business and forming an LLC or corporation to protect your personal assets. Consult with an attorney and insurance broker on the best approach. You will also need to file a beneficial ownership report with FinCEN unless exempt.
• Determine competitive pricing: Setting the right nightly rate is critical to success. Research comparable properties in your area to ensure you are competitive while still covering your expenses and generating a profit. There are different companies and software that can help Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu owners optimize their pricing.

By doing your due diligence on local regulations, obtaining proper permits, and treating your rental as a business, you can successfully operate short-term rentals in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. Just be sure to stay up-to-date on evolving provincial and municipal rules governing the industry.

Short-Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu

As of September 1, 2022, anyone operating a short-term rental (31 days or less) in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu must obtain a registration number from the Corporation de l'industrie touristique du Québec (CITQ). The licensing process involves several key steps:

1. Obtain a notice of compliance from the municipality: Contact the City of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu to confirm your property is zoned for short-term rentals and request a signed notice of compliance.
2. Register with the CITQ: Submit the notice of compliance along with proof of ownership, photos of the property, and a minimum $2 million liability insurance policy to the CITQ. Use this form for a principal residence or this form for a secondary property.
3. Pay registration fee: A fee is required to complete the CITQ registration, which is valid for 12 months. An annual renewal fee also applies thereafter.
4. Receive registration certificate: The CITQ will issue a registration number and certificate that must be posted on the building and included on all online listings.
5. Submit information to platforms: Provide the registration number, expiration date, and certificate PDF to any booking platforms used, such as Airbnb or VRBO.

Failing to obtain a valid CITQ registration before operating a short-term rental can result in hefty fines - a minimum of $3,750 per violation. Municipalities and the province are actively monitoring listings and pursuing enforcement actions against unlicensed operators.

It's critical that Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu short-term rental hosts maintain an active registration and renew it on time to avoid penalties. Listings with expired registrations will be blocked by platforms like Airbnb.

By carefully following the CITQ licensing process and keeping registrations up-to-date, short-term rental operators can ensure compliance with provincial requirements. Consulting with local officials on any additional municipal regulations is also prudent before listing a property.

Required Documents for Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu Short-Term Rentals

To legally operate a short-term rental in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, property owners must obtain and submit several key documents:

1. Notice of Compliance from Municipality: Before registering with the CITQ, hosts must first request a signed notice of compliance from the City of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. This document confirms the property is zoned for short-term rentals and complies with any applicable municipal bylaws. Contact the city's urban planning department to obtain the notice.
2. Proof of $2 Million Liability Insurance: Short-term rental operators are required to maintain a minimum of $2,000,000 in liability insurance coverage. This protects against bodily injury and property damage claims arising from the rental activity. Hosts must provide proof of this insurance to the CITQ as part of the registration process.
3. Landlord or Condo Association Authorization: If the property being rented is a rental unit, written permission from the landlord is required. For condominiums, the condo association must provide written authorization allowing short-term rentals. These approvals help ensure the activity does not violate lease agreements or condo bylaws.
4. CITQ Registration Certificate: After submitting the notice of compliance, proof of insurance, and any necessary third-party authorizations, hosts can apply for a CITQ registration number. The registration certificate issued by the CITQ is valid for one year and must be clearly posted near the main entrance of the rental unit. It also needs to be included on any advertisements or online listings.

Failing to obtain and maintain a valid CITQ registration can result in hefty penalties. Fines for renting an unregistered unit can be as high as $25,000, while not properly displaying the registration number risks a $10,000 fine.

By carefully assembling and submitting these required documents, short-term rental hosts in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu can ensure they are operating legally and avoid costly sanctions. The registration process aims to balance the economic benefits of home-sharing with the need to protect neighborhoods and housing stock.

Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu Short-Term Rental Taxes

Short-term rental operators in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu must collect and remit several types of taxes on the accommodations they provide:

Quebec Sales Tax (QST): The provincial sales tax of 9.975% applies to all short-term rental transactions. This tax is charged on top of the rental rate and any cleaning fees. Hosts are responsible for collecting the QST from guests and remitting it to Revenu Québec on a regular basis, typically quarterly.

Goods and Services Tax (GST): The federal GST of 5% also applies to short-term rentals. Similar to the QST, hosts must collect this tax from guests and remit it to the Canada Revenue Agency. Depending on the host's annual revenue, GST filings may be annual or more frequent.

Lodging Tax: Revenu Québec requires short-term rental hosts to collect a 3.5% lodging tax in the province's 22 tourist regions. This tax applies to rentals of 31 days or less. Airbnb collects and remits the lodging tax on behalf of its hosts in Quebec.

It's important for hosts to keep detailed records of all taxes collected and remitted. Failure to comply with tax requirements can result in significant penalties and interest charges.

Tax Deductions for Short-Term Rentals

Short-term rental operators in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu can deduct eligible expenses incurred to earn rental income on their tax returns. Some common deductible expenses include:

1. Advertising costs
2. Insurance premiums
3. Property management fees and cleaning fees
4. Utilities
5. Repairs and maintenance
6. Supplies

Hosts can generally deduct 100% of expenses that directly relate to the rental activity. However, if only a portion of the property is used for rentals, expenses may need to be prorated. Mortgage interest and property taxes can also be deducted based on the percentage of rental use.

Keeping accurate records is essential to support any deductions claimed. If the Canada Revenue Agency audits a host's tax return, they will need to provide documentation for all rental expenses. Consulting a tax professional can help ensure compliance and maximize deductions.

By understanding the applicable taxes and properly tracking expenses, short-term rental operators in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu can stay compliant and optimize their tax filings. With the rapid growth of home-sharing, both provincial and federal authorities are increasing enforcement efforts, making it more critical than ever to follow the rules.

Quebec Wide Short-Term Rental Rules

In addition to municipal regulations, short-term rental operators in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu must also comply with provincial laws governing tourist accommodations. As of September 1, 2022, Quebec's new short-term rental regulations (Bill 67) are in effect across the province.

Under the law, anyone renting out a property for stays of 31 days or less must obtain a registration number from the Corporation de l'industrie touristique du Québec (CITQ). This applies to primary and secondary residences advertised on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo.

To get a registration number, hosts must first obtain a notice of compliance from their municipality confirming the property can be used for short-term rentals under local zoning rules. They then submit this along with photos, proof of ownership, and a minimum $2 million liability insurance policy to the CITQ.

Rental platforms are prohibited from listing any properties in Quebec that do not display a valid CITQ registration number. They must also have a representative in the province. Platforms face fines up to $100,000 per illegal listing, while hosts can be fined $50,000 for renting without a registration.

As of March 25, 2023, amendments to the provincial law under Bill 67 allow Quebecers to rent out their primary residence for short-term stays without the need for a municipal bylaw to permit it. However, municipalities can still prohibit or limit short-term rentals in certain areas through zoning.

Housing advocates have raised concerns that the new rules will make it harder for cities like Montreal to enforce their existing short-term rental regulations. They worry it will be difficult to verify whether a property is truly a host's primary residence.

The provincial government says the registration system aims to better regulate the fast-growing short-term rental industry while still allowing Quebecers to earn extra income. Increased enforcement and inspections are planned to ensure compliance.

Short-term rental operators in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu must carefully review both municipal and provincial requirements to avoid hefty fines. Obtaining a CITQ registration is now mandatory across Quebec for rentals under 31 days.

Does Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu Strictly Enforce STR Rules?

While Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu has implemented regulations for short-term rentals, enforcement of these rules appears to be somewhat lax compared to larger cities like Montreal. Many hosts continue to operate without obtaining the required permits or paying the applicable taxes.

On forums like Bigger Pockets and Reddit, local hosts report that unlicensed rentals are common in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. One host shared, "I've been renting my condo on Airbnb for over a year without registering with the city or CITQ. I know several other hosts doing the same and no one has had any issues."

Another commented, "The city doesn't seem to have the resources to actively enforce the short-term rental bylaws. As long as you're not causing problems for the neighbors, you can probably get away with hosting without a permit."

This sentiment was echoed by multiple Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu hosts, suggesting a notable degree of non-compliance with short-term rental regulations. Compared to Montreal's strict enforcement and steep fines, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu appears to be more lax and Airbnb-friendly in practice, if not in policy.

However, this doesn't mean Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu hosts can operate with impunity. The city has issued fines to some unlicensed operators after receiving complaints. One host reported being fined $1,000 after a neighbor alerted authorities about his unregistered Airbnb.

While the risk of getting caught may be lower than in major cities, hosts in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu are still legally obligated to comply with municipal and provincial short-term rental regulations. Operating without the required permits and tax registrations can result in penalties if enforcement does occur.

Overall, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu seems to have a sizable number of hosts skirting the short-term rental rules, enabled by limited enforcement by the city. The area is more Airbnb-friendly than Montreal in practice. However, hosts should be aware that operating illegally still carries risks, and they are advised to comply with all applicable regulations to avoid potential fines and legal issues.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu

Starting a successful short-term rental business in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu requires careful planning and execution. Follow these steps to get your venture off the ground:

1. Research local regulations and obtain necessary permits: Before investing in a property, thoroughly review Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu's zoning laws and short-term rental regulations. As of September 1, 2022, all short-term rentals in Quebec must obtain a registration number from the CITQ (Corporation de l'industrie touristique du Québec). Apply for this permit, which requires proof of ownership, a minimum $2 million liability insurance policy, and a notice of compliance from the city confirming the property is zoned for short-term rentals.
2. Select the right property: Look for a property that meets the city's requirements and appeals to your target market. Consider factors like location, size, amenities, and unique features. Neighborhoods like Iberville and Saint-Luc are popular with tourists for their proximity to attractions and restaurants. Analyze the potential revenue, occupancy rates, and competition in different areas to make an informed decision.
3. Invest in upgrades and amenities: To stand out from competitors, invest in quality furnishings, linens, and amenities that enhance the guest experience. Provide essentials like high-speed Wi-Fi, smart TVs, and well-equipped kitchens. Consider adding unique touches like local artwork or a welcome basket to create a memorable stay.
4. Create an enticing listing: Craft a compelling listing with professional photos and an engaging description that highlights your property's best features. Use relevant keywords to optimize your listing for search results. Be transparent about your pricing, policies, and any unique selling points that set your rental apart.
5. Develop a pricing strategy: Research the average daily rates, occupancy, and seasonality trends in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu to set competitive prices. Use dynamic pricing tools to automatically adjust rates based on demand and maximize revenue. Consider setting minimum stay requirements during peak periods and offering discounts for longer bookings or off-season stays.
6. Implement a marketing plan: Promote your listing through social media, local partnerships, and paid advertising. Encourage satisfied guests to leave reviews, as positive ratings boost your property's visibility and credibility. Collaborate with local businesses and influencers to reach new audiences and offer special packages or experiences.
7. Prioritize guest satisfaction: Provide exceptional customer service by promptly responding to inquiries, addressing concerns, and going above and beyond to create a welcoming atmosphere. Maintain a high standard of cleanliness and safety by regularly inspecting and maintaining your property. Consider hiring a reputable cleaning service to ensure a spotless space for each new guest.

By following these steps and continually adapting to market trends and guest preferences, you can build a thriving short-term rental business in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. Stay informed about local regulations, invest in your property and marketing, and prioritize guest satisfaction to stand out in this competitive industry.

Who to Contact in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu about Short-Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

If you have questions about short-term rental regulations or zoning requirements in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, there are several key contacts and resources available:

City of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu Urban Planning Department

The Service de l'urbanisme handles permits, certificates, and zoning information for the city. Contact them for the notice of compliance required for the CITQ registration.

1. Phone: 450-357-2100
2. Email: urbanisme@sjsr.ca
3. Address: 315 MacDonald Street, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC J3B 8J3

City of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu General Information

For general questions about municipal services, taxes, and regulations, contact the city's main information line.

1. Phone: 450-357-2100
2. Toll-free: 1-800-268-7072
3. Website: https://sjsr.ca

Corporation de l'industrie touristique du Québec (CITQ)

The CITQ handles the mandatory registration for short-term rentals across Quebec. Contact them for questions about the permit application process.

1. Phone: 450-679-3737
2. Toll-free: 1-866-499-0550
3. Email: info@citq.qc.ca
4. Website: https://citq.qc.ca/

Revenu Québec

Contact Revenu Québec for information on collecting and remitting the 3.5% lodging tax and QST (Quebec Sales Tax).

1. Phone: 514-873-4692
2. Toll-free: 1-800-567-4692
3. Website: https://www.revenuquebec.ca/en/

In addition to these official contacts, short-term rental hosts in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu can find support and advice through online communities:

• Airbnb Community Center: https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Canada/ct-p/Canada
• Bigger Pockets Forums - Short-Term Rental Discussions: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/530-short-term-rental-discussions
• Québec Airbnb Hosts Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3000553293525147/

By connecting with experienced hosts and industry professionals, new short-term rental operators can get answers to their questions and learn best practices for success.

When in doubt, always start by contacting the City of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu directly. They can provide the most up-to-date and accurate information on local regulations and zoning requirements. Following their guidance will help ensure your short-term rental business operates legally and avoids potential penalties.

What Do Airbnb Hosts in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu on Reddit and Bigger Pockets Think about Local Regulations?

Airbnb hosts in the Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu area have shared their experiences and thoughts on local short-term rental regulations on online forums. Here's a snapshot of the discussions:

Reddit - r/AirBnB

In a thread titled "Anyone from Montreal here?", a prospective host looking to invest in a short-term rental property in the area expressed confusion about the permitting process. They noted that the CITQ (Corporation de l'industrie touristique du Québec) said they don't give out permits for Airbnb, leading them to wonder if hosts are operating illegally.

Commenters familiar with the Montreal market clarified that hosts must first obtain a permit from the city, which is generally only issued for properties on designated commercial streets. The CITQ's requirements are that hosts have this municipal permit. One commenter warned that Revenu Québec has the authority to levy hefty daily fines for illegal rentals and can seize property or wages to recoup unpaid taxes.

The discussion highlights the strict regulations in the Montreal area and the risks of operating without proper permits. It suggests many listings may not be fully compliant with local rules.

Bigger Pockets Forum

While no discussions were found specific to Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, a few threads touch on the short-term rental landscape in Canada more broadly.

In a post titled "AirBNB Starting Out in Canada!!", a host in Vancouver sought advice and stories from other Canadian hosts. Respondents emphasized the importance of researching local regulations and bylaws before investing in a short-term rental property.

Another thread, "2023 Airbnb Outlook - Are STR Hosts in Trouble? I Think Not", analyzed recent data on the Canadian short-term rental market. Key takeaways were that while occupancy rates have declined from pandemic highs, they remain at or above pre-2020 levels in many markets. Urban supply is still below 2019 levels, potentially presenting opportunities. The post argued that hosts who treat their rentals as a business and focus on differentiating their listings will continue to succeed, despite increasing regulations.

Overall, the online discussions paint a picture of an evolving regulatory landscape for short-term rentals in Quebec and Canada. Hosts in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu and surrounding areas appear cognizant of the need to comply with municipal and provincial rules, but some may be operating in a legal gray area. As enforcement ramps up, hosts are well-advised to thoroughly research and adhere to all applicable regulations to avoid financial and legal penalties.

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.