Calgary short-term rentals
Airbnb and short-term rentals in Calgary: the rules and the numbers.
Calgary still allows short-term rentals in investment properties with a City business licence. Here is what investors and hosts need to know before buying.
Are Airbnbs legal in Calgary?
Yes. Short-term rentals such as Airbnb and Vrbo are allowed in Calgary with a City of Calgary short-term rental business licence. Unlike many BC cities, Calgary has not limited short-term rentals to a host's principal residence, so investment properties can qualify.
Key rules to check
- Business licence: required for every short-term rental and renewed every year.
- Broader definition: the City updated its bylaw in 2025, and the short-term rental definition now covers furnished rentals of up to 180 consecutive days.
- Condos: the City no longer requires condo board consent for the licence, but your condo bylaws can still restrict or ban short-term rentals. Read them before you buy.
- Tourism levy: Alberta's tourism levy applies to short-term rental bookings.
- Insurance and safety: hosts need proper coverage and a fire safety plan.
Fees, fines and requirements change. Confirm current details with City of Calgary licensing before you buy or list.
Buying a short-term rental property in Calgary
The numbers that matter are realistic nightly rates and occupancy for the specific community, condo bylaws, parking, and what the property earns as a long-term rental if short-term plans change. Rob helps investors run both scenarios before writing an offer.
Sources: City of Calgary newsroom.
Common questions
Do you need a licence to Airbnb in Calgary?
Yes. The City of Calgary requires a short-term rental business licence, renewed annually.
Can I Airbnb an investment property in Calgary?
Calgary has not adopted a principal-residence-only rule, so non-primary residences can be licensed. Condo bylaws can still prohibit short-term rentals, so check them first.
Do condo boards have to approve an Airbnb in Calgary?
The City no longer asks for condo board consent as part of the licence, but a condo corporation's own bylaws can still restrict short-term rentals.
How is Calgary different from Kelowna for short-term rentals?
Calgary allows licensed short-term rentals in investment properties. In most of Kelowna, BC's principal residence rule applies, except in buildings in the City's short-term rental sub-zone.
Keep reading
Let's talk
Looking at a Calgary rental property?
Rob will run the short-term and long-term numbers with you before you commit.