Global Regulatory Notes (3)

Keep a pulse on global regulatory trends. Featuring critical updates and recent news on short-term rental policies around the world, we highlight key developments shaping the industry. 🌐

Canada

South Shuswap, BC

With British Columbia’s Short-Term Rental Registry set to launch on May 1, 2025, the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) is still unclear on how enforcement will play out in its electoral areas particularly for properties that are not compliant with local zoning.

The province requires all short-term rental operators to register with fees ranging from $100 to $600 annually. Failure to comply could result in delistings or penalties. While the CSRD recently amended its community plan to allow Temporary Use Permit (TUP) applications in Electoral Areas C and G—where most short-term rentals were previously non-compliant—it is still waiting on details about the enforcement role of local governments. The district acknowledges the uncertainty and has not yet communicated enforcement plans to the public but has committed to sharing updates as more information becomes available.

Chelsea, Quebec

Short-term rental owners in Chelsea, Quebec are frustrated by a massive increase in permit fees rising from as little as $30–$85 to a flat $750. The deadline is expected on March 1. Many were blindsided by the change calling it a "cash grab" that will force price hikes and possibly deter tourists.

At an information session, some owners expressed concerns about the economic fallout, while others criticized the lack of direct notice. While Chelsea Mayor Pierre Guénard insists the new fee is still below commercial rates, the municipality is now considering an installment plan but has given no indication of lowering the fee.

Calgary, Alberta

Starting in April, Calgary will enforce new short-term rental regulations that introduce higher licensing costs, platform registration requirements, and new fire safety measures.

A key provision—a moratorium on new licenses for non-primary residences—will be triggered if vacancy rates drop below 2.5%, though the current 4.6% rate means this will not take effect immediately.

The expanded definition of short-term rentals now includes stays of up to six months impacting students and temporary renters who will now see added safety measures like egress window requirements. City officials emphasize that these changes are part of broader efforts to stabilize housing supply with additional purpose-built rental developments expected to ease market pressures in the long term.

Georgian Bluffs, Ontario

Georgian Bluffs has launched a new Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) Licensing Program requiring all short-term rental operators to obtain a license through an online portal.

The program establishes clear guidelines to ensure responsible rental management while addressing safety, operational standards, and community concerns. The township has provided support materials to help applicants navigate the process, with a registration deadline set for March 1 to allow time for inspections.

Canmore, Alberta

Canmore’s council has scheduled a public hearing for March 11 to consider removing tourist homes from redevelopment plans and zoning districts as part of its broader effort to increase long-term rental availability.

If approved, existing tourist homes will be classified as legal non-conforming but may continue operating under current restrictions. Property owners who convert their tourist homes to residential use can do so without a development permit fee until the end of 2025. Meanwhile, similar zoning changes are not being pursued in Three Sisters Village or Smith Creek due to existing development approvals, with further consultations planned for future updates.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is temporarily easing its short-term rental licensing rules during festival season to help visitors and performers find accommodation, reducing regulatory barriers for residents who want to rent out their primary homes.

The move follows a 12-week consultation where 780 responses influenced policy adjustments. A May report will propose extending secondary letting license renewals from one to three years.

Edinburgh’s stringent regulations introduced in 2022 have faced legal challenges forcing adjustments over issues like temporary licensing and planning permission requirements.

Greece

Greece is implementing new short-term rental regulations aimed at improving safety, managing overtourism, and protecting housing availability. A recently passed bill sets stricter property standards, banning rentals in converted storage areas and industrial spaces while requiring natural lighting, ventilation, and air conditioning.

Owners must also provide fire safety measures, pest control certifications, and insurance, with fines of €5,000 to €20,000 for non-compliance. Inspections will begin with a 10-day notice, with police assistance if needed.

A temporary ban on new short-term rentals is in place in popular Athens neighborhoods to curb rising housing costs. The government says the regulations support sustainable tourism, though industry groups warn the increased fees and inspections may disproportionately impact small operators.

Paris

Paris has enacted a ban on keyboxes attached to public street furniture following Marseille's lead in an effort to curb illegal short-term rentals. The city council's new decree effective January 24 mandates the removal of keyboxes within 15 days, after which authorities will consider them abandoned and remove them.

Police officers can now label keyboxes with removal notices and encourage public reporting through the ‘DansMaRue’ app. Officials argue that the proliferation of keyboxes signals widespread illegal rentals, with an estimated 25,000 unlawfully furnished tourist accommodations in the city.

This ban complements Paris’ recent tightening of short-term rental regulations including reducing the rental limit for primary residences from 120 to 90 days per year.

Spain

Spain has introduced sweeping reforms to regulate short-term rentals as part of a broader effort to combat overtourism and prioritize local housing needs. Under new policies, cities like Malaga will implement a three-year freeze on new short-term rental licenses starting January 2025, while existing rentals without independent access will lose their permits from February 2025.

Barcelona is set to phase out all 10,000 short-term rental apartments by 2028 reflecting a nationwide shift toward stricter regulation. These measures are being trialed until 2027 allowing authorities to assess their impact on housing affordability and sustainability.

Amsterdam

Following concerns raised by the Woon foundation, Amsterdam officials have committed to cracking down on landlords illegally inflating rents under misclassified temporary contracts.

The city plans to increase enforcement efforts and is lobbying the national government for stronger legal tools to close loopholes. Under the affordable housing law which took effect last July, municipalities can fine landlords for noncompliance, with penalties reaching up to €87,000. Meanwhile, a rent tribunal is handling cases that could set precedents on short-term rental pricing, adding urgency to the city’s enforcement push.

🌐 Emerging Global Trends

Cities around the world are adapting to changes in the short-term rental (STR) market. Communities are enforcing stricter regulations, refining local policies, and addressing nationwide challenges to navigate the evolving STR landscape.

What this means:

📓 Rising Fees and Stricter Licensing Requirements: Several jurisdictions, including Chelsea, Quebec, and British Columbia, are implementing significant increases in licensing fees and requiring stricter compliance measures for short-term rental operators. Chelsea’s new $750 flat fee has been met with resistance from property owners, while British Columbia is launching a province-wide rental registry with annual fees ranging from $100 to $600. Similarly, Georgian Bluffs, Ontario has introduced a structured licensing system to regulate short-term rentals. These changes reflect a growing trend toward more structured oversight, often justified as a way to professionalize the industry and address housing concerns, but they also raise affordability questions for small-scale operators.

🏘️ Policy Adjustments to Manage Housing Supply and Market Pressures: Cities like Calgary, Canmore, and Spain are enacting policies aimed at balancing short-term rental activity with long-term housing availability. Calgary’s new regulations include a provision that would halt new licenses for non-primary residences if rental vacancy rates drop below 2.5%. Canmore is considering removing tourist homes from redevelopment zones to encourage long-term rental conversions. Spain is taking a more aggressive approach with Malaga freezing new rental licenses, and Barcelona planning to phase out all short-term rental apartments by 2028. These measures highlight a growing regulatory focus on housing stability and affordability.

🌘 Increased Enforcement and Restriction of Rental Practices: Cities worldwide are stepping up enforcement to curb illegal short-term rentals and ensure compliance with evolving regulations. Paris has banned keyboxes attached to public street furniture citing their association with unauthorized rentals, while Amsterdam is cracking down on landlords exploiting rental loopholes. Greece is implementing stricter safety and property standards with fines reaching €20,000 for non-compliance. Additionally, Edinburgh is temporarily relaxing its licensing rules for festival season but is simultaneously planning long-term adjustments, such as extending secondary letting licenses. These moves demonstrate a broader effort to bring the short-term rental market under tighter control while addressing community concerns.

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