Most Airbnbs in Montreal are illegal and few safety standards are enforced

If you've rented an Airbnb unit in Montreal, chances are it was an illegal one.

More than 90 per cent of short-term rental units in the city listed on Airbnb are not authorized, according to an independent watchdog group, Inside Airbnb.

Last week's deadly fire in Old Montreal has put a spotlight on the possible dangers that come with booking a stay at a short-term rental unit — and the pressure on municipal and provincial officials to do something about it.

So far, two deaths has been confirmed after the fire ravaged a 15-unit, multi-use building that included rentals listed on Airbnb. Five people are still missing, as search efforts continue.

Full-time, short-term rentals are not allowed in that part of the city, with the exception of those that were already active prior to 2018.

In Quebec, there are rules for short-term rentals. But there are also concerns about a severe lack of oversight and enforcement for thousands of properties that could ultimately be unsafe.

Here's a breakdown of those rules and what you should keep in mind during your next booking.

Oversight of short-term rentals is carried out by both the province and municipalities.

In 2021, the Quebec government passed the Act respecting tourist accommodation establishments. 

Operators of short-term rentals need to register with the province, and with that comes a registration number. That's mainly to make sure operators pay taxes. 

Provincial registration numbers can be included in listings.

Cities like Montreal, and its boroughs, have rules outlining where short-term rentals are allowed.

In the days since the fire, municipal and provincial authorities have been essentially pointing the finger at each other. 

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante said Revenu Québec needs to have more inspectors investigating illegal Airbnb operators.