Airbnb vs Long-Term Rental in Quebec: Rules and the Real Math

In brief — Yes. Short-term rental requires a CITQ registration certificate and, first, municipal authorization; zoning must allow the use. The CITQ number must appear on every listing and ad.

Short-term rental (STR) promises higher revenue than a standard lease. In Quebec, that gap must be weighed against strict rules and much higher costs. Start with the law.

The law first: CITQ

• CITQ registration is mandatory — a certificate from the Corporation de l'industrie touristique du Québec. Each property has its own number.
• Municipal authorization first, and zoning must permit the use — often limited to a principal residence or specific zones.
• Short-term = 31 consecutive days or less.
• The CITQ number must be displayed on every listing and ad.
• Fines of $2,500 to $25,000 per infraction for an individual (more for repeat offences), which can add up.

If your building is in a standard residential zone and is not your principal residence, STR may simply not be allowed. Checking zoning is step zero.

How much short-term rental earns

Gross revenue = average nightly rate (ADR) × 365 × occupancy. But gross is misleading: platform, cleaning, management, furnishing and seasonal vacancy costs are far heavier than long-term renting. The real question: what occupancy do you need to beat long-term once all costs are out? That is your break-even.

Long-term: less revenue, more stability

Long-term renting offers predictable income, low costs and little management, with no STR registration. In return, rents are regulated. For many investors it is the stable core; STR only pays on specific assets and locations.

Compare before you commit

The verdict depends on zoning, seasonality and management cost. DeedWorth compares short-term and long-term for the same property — revenue, costs, STR premium, break-even occupancy and a verdict. Compare short-term vs long-term with DeedWorth →

FAQ

Do I need a permit for Airbnb in Quebec? Yes. Short-term rental requires a CITQ registration certificate and, first, municipal authorization; zoning must allow the use. The CITQ number must appear on every listing and ad.

What counts as short-term in Quebec? A rental of 31 consecutive days or less for the same traveller.

What are the penalties for renting without CITQ registration? Fines of 2,500 to 25,000 dollars per infraction for an individual (more for repeat offences), which can accumulate.

Is short-term more profitable than long-term in Quebec? Potentially, if occupancy is high and rules allow it, but platform, cleaning, management, furnishing and vacancy costs are much higher; you must hit a break-even occupancy to beat long-term.

Related guides

• Short-term rental rules in Alberta
• Short-term rental rules in BC
• Short-term rental rules in Ontario
• Quebec rent increase 2026: the TAL method
• Cap rate for Canadian rentals
• Buying a first plex in Quebec
• The BRRRR strategy in Quebec

For information only. STR rules vary by municipality and change; verify zoning and requirements with your city and province. Last verified: July 2026.