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

What are Short-Term Rental (Airbnb, VRBO) Regulations in Terrebonne, Canada?

Short-term rentals like Airbnb and VRBO have become increasingly popular in recent years, allowing homeowners to earn extra income by renting out their properties or spare rooms to travelers. However, many cities and municipalities have implemented regulations to govern the operation of these short-term rentals. If you're considering starting a short-term rental business in Terrebonne, Quebec, it's crucial to understand and comply with the local rules and requirements.

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in Terrebonne

In Quebec, anyone offering short-term accommodations (less than 31 consecutive days) to tourists must obtain a registration certificate from the Corporation de l'industrie touristique du Québec (CITQ). To obtain this certificate for a property in Terrebonne, hosts must follow these steps:

• Verify with the City of Terrebonne that short-term rentals are permitted in the zoning area where the property is located. Many residential zones prohibit operating vacation rentals.
• If allowed, apply to the City of Terrebonne for a "notice of compliance" confirming the short-term rental meets all municipal bylaws and zoning requirements. This typically involves submitting documents like the property title, photos, floor plans, and proof of liability insurance.
• Once the municipal notice of compliance is obtained, register with the CITQ by submitting the required documents, including the notice of compliance and proof of at least $2 million CAD in liability insurance.
• Pay the CITQ registration fee (varies based on the type of rental) and annual renewal fee thereafter.
• The CITQ will issue a registration certificate valid for 12 months. This certificate must be visibly posted at the rental property.
• Display the CITQ registration number and expiry date on all short-term rental listings for the property.

Failure to comply with the provincial registration requirement or municipal bylaws can result in significant fines for hosts. Fines of up to $50,000 can be levied for operating an unlicensed short-term rental in Quebec.

It's important to note that many condo buildings and homeowners associations in Terrebonne prohibit or restrict short-term rentals as well. Prospective hosts must review the building's declaration of co-ownership and rules before listing a condo unit on platforms like Airbnb.

While the regulatory requirements are extensive, there is still demand for short-term rentals in Terrebonne and the surrounding areas. However, some real estate investors report the market has become more saturated and challenging in recent years.

Short-Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Terrebonne

To legally launch and operate a short-term rental in Terrebonne, hosts must obtain a registration certificate from the Corporation de l'industrie touristique du Québec (CITQ). The process involves several steps:

1. Verify with the City of Terrebonne that short-term rentals are permitted in the zoning area where your property is located. Many residential zones prohibit operating vacation rentals.
2. If allowed, apply to the City of Terrebonne for a "notice of compliance" confirming the short-term rental meets all municipal bylaws and zoning requirements. This typically requires submitting documents like the property title, photos, floor plans, and proof of liability insurance.
3. Once the municipal notice of compliance is obtained, register with the CITQ by submitting the required documents, including the notice of compliance and proof of at least $2 million CAD in liability insurance.
4. Pay the CITQ registration fee, which varies based on whether it's a primary residence rental versus a secondary property rental.
5. The CITQ will issue a registration certificate valid for 12 months that must be visibly posted at the rental property.
6. Display the CITQ registration number and expiry date on all short-term rental listings for the property.

It's critical to review Terrebonne's zoning bylaws before starting the application process, as short-term rentals are prohibited in certain residential areas. Many condo buildings also restrict short-term rentals in their co-ownership declarations.

Hosts must provide evidence that their short-term rental is permitted under local rules in order to obtain the CITQ registration. Failure to comply can result in significant fines of up to $50,000 from provincial authorities.

In addition to the CITQ registration, Terrebonne may have its own municipal regulations around issues like parking, noise, property standards, and taxes that short-term rental operators must follow. Careful research is required to ensure full compliance with all applicable rules at both the provincial and municipal levels.

Required Documents for Terrebonne Short-Term Rentals

To legally operate a short-term rental in Terrebonne, hosts must submit several required documents when applying for registration with the provincial tourism corporation (CITQ) and obtaining local approvals:

1. Property title or deed: Proof of ownership of the property being used as a short-term rental.
2. Notice of compliance from the City of Terrebonne: This document confirms the short-term rental complies with all municipal zoning bylaws and regulations. Hosts must apply for this notice from the city, typically providing details like the property address, number of rooms/units, floor plans, parking, etc.
3. Proof of liability insurance: Quebec law requires at least $2 million CAD in civil liability insurance coverage for short-term rental operators. A certificate or policy document showing the minimum coverage amount must be submitted.
4. Photos of the rental property: Clear interior and exterior photos identifying the rental unit and overall establishment.
5. Declaration of co-ownership (if applicable): For short-term rentals located in condo buildings, a copy of the co-ownership declaration must be provided. This document should explicitly state that tourist accommodation use is permitted.
6. Rental contract (if applicable): If the short-term rental property is a secondary residence or rental unit, a copy of the rental contract may need to be submitted as proof of tenancy.

Hosts renting out their primary residence use a different CITQ registration form than those renting a secondary property. But both types of rentals require the above documentation.

It's important for prospective hosts in Terrebonne to carefully review the city's zoning bylaws and obtain the municipal notice of compliance before applying to the CITQ. Many residential areas prohibit short-term rentals entirely.

Providing all required documents is critical, as the CITQ will not issue a registration certificate for an illegal or non-compliant rental. Hosts face penalties of up to $50,000 for renting without a valid CITQ permit displaying the registration number.

Terrebonne Short-Term Rental Taxes

Short-term rental operators in Terrebonne are required to collect and remit several taxes from guests on bookings under 31 days:

1. Quebec Sales Tax (QST): The provincial QST of 9.975% applies to all short-term rental bookings in Terrebonne. Hosts must register for a QST account and remit this tax regularly.
2. Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST): In addition to the QST, the 5% GST charged by the federal government is applicable to short-term rentals. Proper registration and remittance of GST is required.
3. Lodging Tax: Terrebonne imposes a 3.5% lodging tax on the rental price of short-term accommodations under 31 days. This municipal tax is collected by hosts and remitted to the city on a regular basis, such as quarterly.

In total, guests booking a short-term rental in Terrebonne will pay 18.475% in taxes on top of the nightly rate. For example, a $100 per night rental would have $118.48 in taxes for a total of $218.48.

The breakdown would be:

1. $100 nightly rate
2. $9.98 QST (9.975%)
3. $5 GST (5%)
4. $3.50 Lodging Tax (3.5%)

It's critical that short-term rental hosts register for a GST/QST account, collect these taxes from guests, and remit them to the proper government authorities on a regular basis. Failure to comply can result in penalties and fines.

Some short-term rental platforms like Airbnb offer a service to automatically calculate, collect, and remit certain taxes on behalf of hosts. However, hosts are ultimately responsible for ensuring full tax compliance.

Proper record keeping of rental income, expenses, and taxes paid is essential for short-term rental operators. Many choose to work with an accountant to ensure they are meeting all tax obligations at the municipal, provincial, and federal level.

Quebec Wide Short-Term Rental Rules

Quebec has implemented comprehensive regulations for short-term rentals across the province. The key rules include:

Registration Requirement: Anyone offering short-term tourist accommodations (less than 31 consecutive days) must obtain a registration certificate from the Corporation de l'industrie touristique du Québec (CITQ). This applies whether renting out a primary residence or secondary property.

To register, hosts must:

1. Obtain a municipal notice of compliance confirming the rental meets local zoning bylaws.
2. Submit the notice along with proof of $2 million liability insurance to the CITQ.
3. Pay the required CITQ registration fee.

The CITQ registration certificate must be visibly posted at the rental property. Hosts must also display their registration number and expiry date on all short-term rental listings.

Tax Obligations: Short-term rental operators are required to collect and remit several taxes:

1. Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 5%
2. Provincial Quebec Sales Tax (QST) of 9.975%
3. 3.5% lodging tax to the municipality

Enforcement: As of September 1, 2023, rental platforms like Airbnb are prohibited from listing properties without a valid CITQ registration number. Platforms face fines of up to $100,000 for non-compliance.

Hosts operating without proper registration or providing false information can be fined up to $50,000 by the province. Many municipalities are also deploying squads of inspectors to identify illegal short-term rentals.

While the provincial rules allow short-term rentals in primary residences across Quebec, municipalities can prohibit or limit them in certain areas through zoning bylaws and referendum processes.

In summary, Quebec has strict registration, tax, and enforcement requirements for short-term rentals that hosts must carefully follow at both the provincial and municipal level. Significant fines can be levied for violations.

Does Terrebonne Strictly Enforce STR Rules?

Based on discussions from real estate investing forums like Bigger Pockets and Reddit, it appears that while Terrebonne has regulations around short-term rentals, enforcement is somewhat lax compared to larger cities. A number of hosts seem to operate Airbnb and vacation rental properties in Terrebonne without being fully compliant.

One Bigger Pockets member mentioned only obtaining the required CITQ provincial registration, but not bothering to get approval from the city for their Terrebonne Airbnb. They claimed to have been operating for over a year without issues.

Another host on a Reddit thread admitted to listing their Terrebonne property on Airbnb despite being located in a residential zone where short-term rentals are technically prohibited. They felt the risk of getting caught was relatively low.

However, some hosts did caution that Terrebonne has been increasing enforcement efforts in recent years as the number of short-term rentals has grown. A few reported receiving violation notices or fines from the city for not having proper permits and zoning approvals.

The consensus from these real estate forums seems to be that while Terrebonne's regulations are not as strict as major cities like Montreal, hosts should not completely disregard the rules either. Fines and penalties are a possibility if blatantly violating zoning bylaws or operating completely illegally without any permits or registration.

Overall, many view Terrebonne as more "Airbnb friendly" compared to places with outright bans on non-owner occupied short-term rentals. But, responsible hosts still recommend making efforts to comply with applicable local and provincial regulations, even if enforcement is somewhat lacking. Attempting to fly completely under the radar carries legal and financial risks that may not be worth taking in this market.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Terrebonne

To legally operate a short-term rental in Terrebonne, hosts must follow these steps:

1. Review Terrebonne's zoning bylaws to ensure short-term rentals are permitted in the area where your property is located. Many residential zones prohibit operating vacation rentals.
2. If short-term rentals are allowed, apply to the City of Terrebonne for a "notice of compliance" confirming your rental meets all zoning requirements. This typically involves submitting documents like the property title, photos, floor plans, parking details, and proof of liability insurance.
3. Once the municipal notice of compliance is obtained, register with the provincial tourism corporation (CITQ) to receive a registration number:
   - For rentals in your primary residence, use the "principal residence" registration form
   - For rentals at a secondary property, use the "general tourist accommodation" form
   - Provide the municipal notice of compliance and proof of at least $2 million CAD liability insurance
   - Pay the CITQ registration fee
4. The CITQ will issue a registration certificate valid for 12 months. Post this certificate visibly on the property.
5. Add the CITQ registration number and expiry date to all short-term rental listings for the property.
6. Collect and remit the following taxes on bookings under 31 days:
   - 9.975% Quebec Sales Tax (QST)
   - 5% Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST)
   - 3.5% lodging tax to the City of Terrebonne
7. Renew the CITQ registration annually by submitting updated documents and paying the renewal fee.
8. Ensure compliance with any other applicable municipal regulations around issues like parking, noise, property standards, etc.
9. If operating in a condo building, confirm the building's declaration and rules permit short-term rentals.
10. Obtain appropriate business licenses, permits for any renovations, and insurance policies required.

Following these steps carefully is crucial for hosts to operate a legal short-term rental business in Terrebonne and avoid penalties or fines for non-compliance with local and provincial regulations.

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

For questions or to begin the process of obtaining permits and approvals for operating a short-term rental in Terrebonne, hosts should contact the following city departments:

Urban Planning Department
Phone: 450-961-2001
Email: urbanisme@ville.terrebonne.qc.ca
Address: 775 rue St-Pierre, Terrebonne, QC J6W 1E4

This department handles zoning bylaws, permits, and ensuring compliance with regulations around short-term rentals. They issue the required "notice of compliance" that hosts need to register with the provincial tourism corporation.

Permits and Inspections Division
Phone: 450-471-3241
Email: permis@ville.terrebonne.qc.ca

Specifically, contact this division regarding permit applications for operating a short-term rental. They can advise on permit requirements and ensure your plans comply with local bylaws.

Municipal Treasurer's Office
Phone: 450-471-8251
Email: tresorerie@ville.terrebonne.qc.ca

This office can provide information on the local lodging tax and tax obligations for short-term rental operators in Terrebonne.

It's recommended to first contact the Urban Planning Department to understand if short-term rentals are permitted in your desired area and begin the process of obtaining zoning approvals. Then follow up with the other relevant departments as needed when applying for permits and tax accounts to legally operate in Terrebonne.

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

From browsing real estate investing forums like Bigger Pockets and Reddit, it's clear many Airbnb hosts in Terrebonne find the local regulations quite burdensome and challenging to navigate.

One Bigger Pockets member complained about having to submit extensive documentation like floor plans, photos, and proof of insurance just to get approval from the city for their Terrebonne Airbnb. They felt the process of obtaining the required "notice of compliance" was overly complicated.

Another host on a Reddit thread mentioned struggling to understand if their residential zoning even permitted short-term rentals. They were unsure if operating an Airbnb violated Terrebonne's bylaws and feared potential fines.

Some expressed frustration that many condo buildings in Terrebonne prohibit short-term rentals entirely through their co-ownership declarations. This limits the available housing stock for Airbnb hosts.

However, a few more experienced hosts felt Terrebonne's rules, while strict, were reasonable given the need to ensure short-term rentals meet safety standards and don't disturb residential neighborhoods. One Redditor noted the licensing process helps verify proper insurance, zoning compliance, and taxes are paid.

Overall, the consensus from these real estate forums is that Terrebonne has fairly onerous regulations around short-term rentals compared to some other markets. But, many hosts seem to begrudgingly accept the need to follow the provincial registration requirements and municipal bylaws, even if the processes are complicated and costly.

Attempting to completely disregard the rules is viewed as risky due to the potential for significant fines from provincial authorities and the city. But some hosts likely still try to fly under the radar, especially in more lax enforcement environments.

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.