New Short Term Rental Rules in Halifax

What’s happening? 

Halifax Regional Council has approved new regulations for short-term rentals like Airbnb, but residents have until September 1 to adjust to them. The change was supposed to happen at the same time as the provincial short term rental registry rollout but council felt that wasn’t enough time. 

Part of the reasoning according to the city is to free up more units for the long term rental market. Given the housing crisis this could relieve some pressure. It’s unlikely that there will be a noticeable difference in the long term rental vacancy rate. Councilors have also heard from residents with concerns over noise, garbage and the destruction of community feeling. 

There may be some owners that convert their units to long term rentals however many may decide to sell their properties. 

Unfortunately there is no way to predict how this will affect the housing market or people that provide short term rentals. 

Why now? 

The municipality started this process pre-covid but they had staffing issues and weren’t able to bring them forward until now. 

What properties will it affect?

Any area that is zoned residential. Short term rentals will be allowed in the owner's primary residence regardless what zone it’s in. 

Short term rentals will still be allowed in commercial zones. 

Something to keep in mind is owners that may have a basement apartment with a different civic address from upstairs means the basement is not considered their primary residence so it will not be allowed. This will likely cause confusion for homeowners that think they are able to rent short term but can’t under the new rules. 

To see the presentation that staff made to council click here.

The reds dots are short term rentals the city was able to find when researching for the new rules.