City introduces fee schedule, licensing requirements for short-term rentals in Winnipeg

People in Winnipeg who list short-term rental units on websites like Airbnbnow have a detailed list of the fees they couldpay in 2024 if city council approves a new set of regulations.

Earlier this year, council voted to limit the number short-term rental units people can own, and to introduce a set of licensing and inspection requirements.

A report on the executive policy committee agenda next week states that each short-term rental unit, as well as the online booking platforms, must hold a valid business licence.

The report includes a breakdown of annual fees owners must pay, ranging from $260 for primary residences, to between $260 and $1,560 for non-primary residences, depending on the size.

Short-term rental licensing fee breakdown:

If passed, short-term rentals will be subject to thefiveper cent accommodation tax.

The licensing regime would impose minimum standards and require owners to allow City of Winnipeg inspectors into the properties each year.

The city estimates there will be around 900 units licensed in the city annually, with projected revenues of $566,000 per year, plus around $900,000 from the accommodation tax.

The report also states that the city will need to hire six additional full-time equivalent staff, with annual costs starting at around $441,000 per year starting in 2024.

In February, council voted to allow people who own multiple short-term rental properties to list up to three non-primary residences, in addition to their primary residence, on the condition they owned them on or before Feb. 23.

Any new listings will be limited to primary residences only.

Last month, the property and development committee adjourned a hearing on zoning bylaw amendments that would permit short-term rentals in all residential areas. Committee chair Coun. Sherri Rollins said she wanted to wait until the executive policy committee considers the licensing rules before voting on the zoning bylaws.

Council will vote on these regulations later this month.