Montreal restricts short‑term rentals to summer months to address housing crisis

According to Global News, residents will be allowed to rent out their primary residences between June 10 and September 10 each year. Outside of this period, short-term rentals will be restricted to specific commercial zones designated by the city.

Mayor Valérie Plante emphasized the city's commitment to supporting tenants, noting that 65 per cent of Montrealers are renters. She states, "We really want to support Montrealers that are tenants, especially because 65 per cent of Montrealers are tenants."

To enforce these new regulations, the city plans to increase its team of inspectors from three to seven. Hefty fines will be imposed on those who violate the rules: $1,000 per night for individuals and $2,000 per night for businesses. Mayor Plante warns, "The minute you post an apartment available out of the period that is possible, then you’ll get a fine," according to reports from CityNews Montreal

While the city believes these measures will help return up to 2,000 homes to long-term renters, critics reportedly argue that the addition of only four inspectors is insufficient for effective enforcement. Julien Hénault-Ratelle, Ensemble Montréal’s spokesperson on housing, commented, "Adding only four inspectors for the entire Montreal territory is largely insufficient to ensure compliance with the rules."

Airbnb has also expressed concerns, stating that the new rules could harm the local economy and punish responsible hosts. Alex Howell, policy lead for Canada at Airbnb, remarked, "Restricting accommodation options for most of the year will significantly hurt the tourism industry, while doing nothing to address the housing crisis."

These regulations are set to take effect on June 10, 2025, as part of Montreal's ongoing efforts to balance tourism needs with housing availability for its residents.