Mascouche, Canada Short-Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are Short-Term Rental (Airbnb, VRBO) Regulations in Mascouche, Quebec?

Short-term rentals, such as those listed on Airbnb and VRBO, have become increasingly popular in recent years. However, many cities and municipalities have implemented regulations to govern these types of rentals. In Mascouche, Quebec, there are several rules and requirements that short-term rental hosts must follow.

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in Mascouche

To legally operate a short-term rental in Mascouche, hosts must obtain a CITQ (Corporation de l'industrie touristique du Québec) permit. This permit is required for any rental lasting 31 days or less. To qualify for a CITQ permit, the rental property must be the host's primary residence.

In addition to the CITQ permit, hosts must also comply with local zoning laws. As of March 25, 2023, municipalities in Quebec have the authority to enforce zoning restrictions on short-term rentals under Bill 67. This means that even if a host has a CITQ permit, they may not be allowed to operate a short-term rental if it violates local zoning regulations.

According to discussions on Reddit, some boroughs in Quebec have already taken steps to limit short-term rentals. For example, Verdun banned "tourist homes" (non-primary residences used as short-term rentals) as of March 1, 2023. Hosts in Mascouche should check with their local government to ensure compliance with any specific zoning restrictions.

It's important to note that renting out a room in one's primary residence or renting out the entire residence while on vacation is generally allowed under Bill 67. The main concern is with commercial operators who remove properties from the long-term rental market to use as short-term rentals, which can contribute to housing shortages.

To summarize, aspiring short-term rental hosts in Mascouche must:

• Obtain a CITQ permit, which requires the rental to be in their primary residence
• Comply with local zoning laws, which may restrict or prohibit certain types of short-term rentals
• Understand that Bill 67 allows municipalities to enforce these zoning restrictions

By following these regulations, hosts can legally operate a short-term rental business in Mascouche while minimizing their impact on the local housing market.

Short-Term Rental Licensing Requirements in Mascouche

To legally operate a short-term rental in Mascouche, hosts must obtain a registration number from the CITQ (Corporation de l'industrie touristique du Québec). The following are the key requirements and steps in the licensing process:

1. Check with the municipality, borough, or regional county municipality to ensure short-term rentals are allowed in the desired location.

2. Complete and sign a Municipal Compliance Notice, which must be obtained from the competent local authority.

3. Submit an application for registration to the CITQ, which includes:

1. The completed Municipal Compliance Notice
2. Proof of identity
3. Proof of ownership or right to use the property

4. A description of the accommodation, including the address, number of rooms, and amenities

Pay the annual registration fee, which varies based on the type and size of the accommodation. As of 2023, the fee for a principal residence with 1-5 bedrooms is $75.77 CAD.

Applications can be submitted online through the CITQ website or by mail. The processing time for applications is typically 10-15 business days.

It's important to note that operating a short-term rental without a valid registration number is illegal and can result in fines. The minimum fine for a first offense is $2,500 CAD, and repeat offenders may face fines of up to $25,000 CAD per day of operation without a license.

In summary, short-term rental hosts in Mascouche must obtain a registration number from the CITQ, which requires a Municipal Compliance Notice, proof of identity and ownership, and payment of an annual fee. Failure to comply with these licensing requirements can result in significant fines.

Required Documents for Mascouche Short-Term Rentals

To apply for a short-term rental registration number in Mascouche, hosts must submit the following documents to the CITQ (Corporation de l'industrie touristique du Québec):

1. Municipal Compliance Notice: This document confirms that the short-term rental complies with local zoning laws and regulations. It must be obtained from the competent local authority, such as the municipality, borough, or regional county municipality.
2. Proof of Identity: A valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport, is required to verify the host's identity.
3. Proof of Ownership or Right to Use: Hosts must provide evidence that they own the property or have the right to use it for short-term rentals. This can include a property deed, lease agreement, or notarized letter from the owner granting permission.
4. Description of the Accommodation: Hosts must provide details about the rental property, including the address, number of rooms, and available amenities. This information is used to determine the appropriate registration category and fee.
5. Registration Fee: The annual registration fee must be paid at the time of application. As of 2023, the fee for a principal residence with 1-5 bedrooms is $75.77 CAD. Fees can be paid online or by mail.

These documents serve to ensure that short-term rentals in Mascouche are operating legally and in compliance with local regulations. The Municipal Compliance Notice, in particular, is crucial for demonstrating that the rental adheres to zoning laws and has been approved by the local authorities.

By gathering and submitting these required documents, hosts can successfully apply for a CITQ registration number and legally operate their short-term rental in Mascouche.

Mascouche Short-Term Rental Taxes

When operating a short-term rental in Mascouche, Quebec, there are several taxes that hosts must be aware of and comply with:

Lodging Tax: Short-term rental hosts in Mascouche must register for, collect, and remit the tax on lodging if they rent out an accommodation unit for periods not exceeding 31 days, primarily to tourists, and do so regularly within the same calendar year. The lodging tax rate in Montreal and the surrounding regions is 3.5% of the rental price per night.

GST and QST: If a host's short-term rental activities, along with other taxable supplies, exceed $30,000 within any given calendar quarter or across four consecutive quarters, they must register for the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Québec Sales Tax (QST). The GST rate is 5%, while the QST rate is 9.975%.

Income Tax: Rental income earned from short-term accommodations is subject to federal and provincial income tax. Hosts must report their rental income on their annual tax return, using Form T776 (Statement of Real Estate Rentals) for passive rental income or Form T2125 (Statement of Business or Professional Activities) for self-employment income.

Potential Deductions and Write-Offs

Short-term rental hosts in Mascouche may be able to deduct certain expenses incurred to earn rental income, such as:

1. Insurance premiums
2. Advertising fees
3. Salaries or wages for property managers
4. Utilities
5. Travel costs related to the rental property
6. Property taxes
7. Mortgage interest
8. Repairs and maintenance
9. Supplies and materials

Significant renovations or improvements to the rental property may be considered capital expenses, which are deducted over several years through capital cost allowance (CCA).

It's important to keep accurate records of all income and expenses related to the short-term rental business to support any deductions claimed on tax returns. Hosts should consult with a tax professional to ensure they are properly reporting their income and claiming all eligible deductions.

Quebec-Wide Short-Term Rental Rules

In addition to the local regulations in Mascouche, short-term rental hosts must also comply with provincial laws and requirements set by the Quebec government. These rules apply across the province, including in Mascouche.

As of September 1, 2023, Quebec's new tourist accommodation law came into effect. Under this law, short-term rental platforms like Airbnb are prohibited from displaying listings that don't have a registration number and certificate issued by the province. Hosts who want to rent their properties for stays of 31 days or fewer must acquire these registration numbers from Quebec's tourism industry regulator (CITQ) and display them in their online listings.

Platforms had until September 1, 2023, to start verifying the validity of these registration numbers. Hosts who display false or inaccurate registration information face fines of up to $50,000, while platforms without a representative in Quebec could face fines of up to $20,000.

Another significant provincial regulation is Bill 67, which came into effect on March 25, 2023. This law allows Quebecers to rent out their principal residences for short-term stays of up to 30 days. However, it also gives municipalities the authority to limit short-term rentals through zoning laws. Cities had until March 25, 2023, to enforce any zoning restrictions on Bill 67.

While Bill 67 aims to allow residents to occasionally rent out their homes, housing advocates are concerned that without proactive enforcement, it could provide cover for people operating illegal rentals out of investment properties. Determining whether a rental is a primary or investment residence may prove challenging.

As of April 2024, Revenu Québec reported that more than $1.5 million in fines had been handed out since April 1, 2023, to Montrealers offering accommodations on Airbnb without complying with the law. The compliance rate for short-term rental listings increased to 90% by early 2024, compared to just 58% in August 2023.

In summary, Mascouche hosts must obtain a CITQ registration number, display it on their listings, and comply with any local zoning restrictions enabled by Bill 67. Failure to follow these Quebec-wide rules can result in significant fines as the province cracks down on illegal short-term rentals.

Does Mascouche Strictly Enforce STR Rules?

Based on discussions in online forums like Reddit and BiggerPockets, it appears that Mascouche and the province of Quebec as a whole have been cracking down on short-term rental regulations in recent years. While some hosts may still operate illegally, the general consensus is that Mascouche is not particularly Airbnb-friendly compared to other cities.

Quebec's strict rules requiring CITQ permits only for primary residences and giving municipalities the power to ban non-owner-occupied STRs through zoning laws have made it increasingly difficult for hosts to skirt the regulations. One Reddit user noted that as of April 2024, over $1.5 million in fines had been issued to Montreal hosts operating without proper permits since the previous year. The compliance rate for listings rose from just 58% in August 2023 to 90% by early 2024, indicating that enforcement efforts have been effective.

While some hosts may still attempt to operate under the radar, the risk of significant fines and the increasing scrutiny from both provincial and local authorities suggest that Mascouche is not an ideal location for those looking to run STRs outside of the legal framework. The city seems to be prioritizing the preservation of long-term housing stock and cracking down on commercial operators who remove properties from the rental market.

In conclusion, based on the experiences shared by hosts and investors on platforms like BiggerPockets and Reddit, Mascouche appears to be strictly enforcing its short-term rental regulations. The city is not particularly Airbnb-friendly compared to other destinations, and hosts who attempt to operate illegally face a high risk of penalties. As Quebec continues to tighten its STR laws and empower municipalities to restrict non-owner-occupied rentals, it is likely that Mascouche will remain a challenging market for hosts looking to skirt the rules.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Mascouche

Starting a short-term rental business in Mascouche requires careful planning and compliance with local regulations. Here are the key steps to get started:

Check zoning laws and obtain a Municipal Compliance Notice: Before investing in a property or listing your home, verify that short-term rentals are allowed in your desired location. In Mascouche, you must obtain a completed and signed Municipal Compliance Notice from the competent authority (municipality, borough, or regional county municipality) to confirm your property complies with local zoning laws.

Register with the CITQ and obtain a permit: As of March 25, 2023, under Quebec's new tourist accommodation law, hosts who want to rent their properties for stays of 31 days or fewer must acquire a registration number and permit from the CITQ (Corporation de l'industrie touristique du Québec). Submit your application along with the Municipal Compliance Notice, proof of identity and ownership, a description of the accommodation, and the registration fee.

Understand and comply with Quebec's short-term rental rules: Be aware of provincial regulations like Bill 67, which allows Quebecers to rent out their principal residences for short-term stays but also empowers municipalities to limit rentals through zoning laws. Hosts with multiple listings are unlikely to be living in the property and may face scrutiny. Follow all applicable laws to avoid penalties.

Crunch the numbers and create a business plan: Assess start-up costs, ongoing expenses (e.g., utilities, supplies, booking fees), and projected income. Determine your budget, marketing strategy, target audience, and goals. Consider whether you'll need to hire staff for cleaning, maintenance, or management.

Prepare your property for rental: Furnish, decorate, and stock your rental to attract bookings. Research local listings to see what amenities competitors offer. Establish house rules, pricing, minimum stays, and other rental terms. Implement security measures like cameras and insurance.

Leverage technology for efficient management: Invest in reliable vacation rental software to streamline operations, manage listings across multiple booking platforms, and deliver quality guest experiences through automated messages, digital guidebooks, and more. These tools are essential for saving time and scaling your business.

List your property and start marketing: Create attractive listings on popular platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. Hire a professional photographer, write compelling descriptions, and highlight unique selling points. Develop a marketing strategy to reach your target audience and secure bookings.

To successfully implement these steps, it's crucial to stay informed about local regulations, thoroughly research your market and competition, and prioritize guest satisfaction. Seek legal advice if needed to ensure compliance and protect your business. With careful planning, attention to detail, and a commitment to providing excellent service, you can build a thriving short-term rental business in Mascouche.

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

For questions about short-term rental regulations, zoning, and permits in Mascouche, hosts should contact the city's Urban Planning and Zoning Department (Aménagement du territoire):

1. Email: amenagement@mascouche.ca
2. Phone: 450-474-4133, ext. 1000

The Urban Planning and Zoning Department can provide information on the Municipal Compliance Notice required for the CITQ permit application, as well as any local zoning restrictions that may impact short-term rentals.

For general inquiries, hosts can also contact the Citizen's Office (Bureau du citoyen):

1. Email: info@mascouche.ca
2. Phone: 450-474-4133

The Citizen's Office can direct hosts to the appropriate department for their specific questions or concerns.

While there don't appear to be any Mascouche-specific online communities for short-term rental hosts, there are some general resources that could prove useful:

1. The Airbnb Community Center has forums where hosts can connect, ask questions, and share experiences. A few posts discuss short-term rentals in Quebec, though none are specific to Mascouche.
2. BiggerPockets, a real estate investing platform, has forum threads about short-term rentals in Montreal and other parts of Quebec. While not focused on Mascouche, hosts may still find relevant insights and advice.
3. Facebook groups like "Airbnb Hosts Forum" and "Airbnb Hosts" provide a space for hosts worldwide to network and discuss various topics related to short-term rentals.

By contacting the appropriate municipal departments and engaging with the broader host community online, those interested in starting or operating short-term rentals in Mascouche can get the information and support they need to navigate local regulations and build successful businesses.

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

While there aren't any Mascouche-specific forums or threads discussing short-term rental regulations, some insights can be gleaned from discussions about Quebec's rules more broadly:

In a Reddit thread titled "Incoming Quebec short-term rental law could make enforcing rules even harder in Montreal: advocates," one user noted that under current regulations, a CITQ permit is required and the rental must be the host's primary residence. They argued that Bill 67 puts power in the hands of boroughs to ban Airbnb abuse by restricting non-primary residence rentals, which contribute to housing shortages. The user suggested hosts should be allowed to occasionally rent out their own primary residences.

Another Reddit thread titled "How much is your rent or mortgage" touched on the challenges of finding affordable housing in Montreal. One user mentioned they were paying $3,000 per month for a $600,000 home, while others shared examples of lower rents for smaller apartments. The thread highlighted the city's housing crunch and the importance of preserving long-term rental stock.

In a Bigger Pockets forum post about Airbnb regulations in Charlottesville, VA, a user asked for advice on operating in areas with strict short-term rental rules. While not specific to Mascouche, the post underscores the challenges hosts face in navigating local regulations and the desire for guidance from experienced operators.

A Reddit thread asking "What happened in MTL after 1990?? They just stopped building homes?" discussed factors contributing to Montreal's housing shortage, such as restrictive zoning, lack of buildable land, and NIMBY opposition to new development. While not directly related to short-term rentals, the thread provides context on the city's housing market pressures.

In a Reddit post titled "People who commute to Montreal everyday : Explain the rationale behind living in the suburbs and working in Montreal," users shared their experiences and reasons for living outside the city, such as affordability, space, and quality of life. The thread highlights the trade-offs between urban and suburban living that may influence demand for short-term rentals in different areas.

Although these discussions don't provide definitive answers about Mascouche hosts' views on local regulations, they offer some context on the broader debates surrounding short-term rentals, housing affordability, and quality of life in the Montreal region. As Quebec continues to tighten rules and empower municipalities to restrict non-owner-occupied rentals, hosts in Mascouche and beyond will need to stay informed and adapt to the evolving regulatory landscape.

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.