How do I know if Airbnb is allowed in my area?

Thinking about renting out your property on Airbnb or a similar short-term rental platform? Before you list your space, the first thing to find out is whether it’s even allowed in your area. Not all cities or municipalities permit short-term rentals, and some have specific rules and licensing requirements you must follow.

How to Check If Airbnb Is Allowed in Your Area

Local regulations can vary greatly, even between neighborhoods in the same city. Here are a few ways to find out:

• Check local bylaws and zoning regulations: Your city’s website may have a dedicated section for short-term rental rules.
• Contact your municipal office: If you’re not sure where to start, call or email your city’s planning or licensing department. They can tell you if your type of property is eligible and whether you need to register.
• Look for permit or license requirements: Some areas require short-term rental hosts to apply for a business license or short-term rental permit before they can legally operate.
• Understand building and condo rules: Even if your city allows Airbnb, your condo board or landlord may prohibit it. Always check your building policies first.

For Ontario-specific rules, you can also check our article: Ontario’s Short-Term Rental Rules: Your Complete Guide

Renting Out Your Place? Don’t Forget the Extra Keys or Fobs

If you’re moving ahead with hosting, it’s a smart idea to get extra sets of keys or key fobs made. Whether you’re handing them off to guests, cleaners, or a property manager, having spares can prevent lockouts and last-minute stress.

At MiniFob and our headquarters at FobToronto, we offer fast and reliable duplication for:

• Apartment key fobs
• Metal keys
• Garage remotes 

You can find your nearest MiniFob location using our store locator to see which services are available in your area.

Final Tips: How Do I Know If Airbnb Is Allowed in My Area?

Knowing whether Airbnb is allowed in your area isn’t just about legality—it also helps protect you from fines, complaints, or having your listing removed. Once you’re sure it’s permitted, you’ll want to make sure the guest experience is smooth and secure. That starts with having enough working keys and fobs on hand.

If you’re preparing to rent out your property, stop by one of our locations and we’ll help you get everything ready.