Starting an Airbnb in Halifax: Your Complete 2025 Compliance Guide

Updated July 2025

Thinking about launching an Airbnb property in Halifax? The short-term rental market in Nova Scotia’s capital offers excellent opportunities, but navigating the regulatory landscape requires careful planning. Here’s your essential roadmap to legally operating a successful short-term rental business in Halifax Regional Municipality.

Understanding Halifax’s Short-Term Rental Market

Halifax defines short-term rentals as any accommodation rented for 28 days or fewer to travelers and tourists. Whether you’re listing on Airbnb, Booking.com, or VRBO, these regulations apply to your property.

The city has streamlined its approach since major policy updates, creating clearer pathways for property owners while ensuring neighborhood compatibility and safety standards.

Halifax STR Categories: Which One Fits Your Property?

Host-Occupied Properties (Residential STR)

Perfect for homeowners wanting to monetize spare space while maintaining their primary residence. This category allows you to rent your entire home when you’re away or share specific rooms while you’re present.

Key Requirements:

Property must be your primary residence
Permitted in all residential zones
Requires Zoning Confirmation Letter
Application fee: $200

Investment Properties (Commercial STR)

Designed for dedicated rental properties where the owner doesn’t reside. These operate more like traditional hospitality businesses and have stricter location requirements.

Key Requirements:

Owner doesn’t live on-site
Only permitted in commercial/tourist zones
Requires Development Only Permit
Application fee: $250

Room Rentals (Short-Term Bedroom Rental)

Ideal for larger properties where you want to rent individual bedrooms rather than entire units.

Key Requirements:

Individual bedroom rentals within dwelling
Residential zones: 3-bedroom maximum (some areas allow 6)
Commercial zones: No bedroom limits
Requires Development Only Permit
Application fee: $250

The Two-Tier Registration System

Halifax operates under a dual registration system combining provincial and municipal requirements.

Nova Scotia Provincial Registration

Since September 2024, all STRs must register annually with the province through the Tourist Accommodation Registry. This system ensures province-wide standards and tax compliance.

What You Need:

Valid municipal permit or confirmation letter
Annual renewal commitment
Property safety compliance documentation

Halifax Municipal Registration

The Residential Rental Registry is a one-time registration covering all rental properties in Halifax, ensuring basic safety and habitability standards.

Benefits:

Validates property safety standards
Provides municipal oversight
Required for legal advertising

Your Action Plan: From Concept to Launch

Phase 1: Research and Planning

Zoning Verification: Use Halifax’s online mapping tools to confirm your property’s zoning status. Not all areas permit commercial STRs, so this step is crucial for investment properties.

Market Analysis: Research local demand, seasonal patterns, and competition in your neighborhood.

Financial Planning: Calculate permit fees, potential renovation costs, and ongoing compliance expenses.

Phase 2: Permit Application

For Primary Residence STRs:

Submit Zoning Confirmation Letter application through Halifax’s PPLC system
Provide proof of primary residence
Pay $200 processing fee

For Commercial STRs:

Apply for Development Only Permit via PPLC system
Submit detailed floor plans and site plans
Pay $250 processing fee
Ensure property is in approved commercial/tourist zone

Phase 3: Registration and Compliance

Municipal Registration: Complete one-time Residential Rental Registry enrollment

Provincial Registration: Submit annual Tourist Accommodation Registry application with municipal permit documentation

Listing Preparation: Ensure all registration numbers are prominently displayed on your online listings

Phase 4: Launch and Operations

Platform Setup: Create compelling listings on your chosen platforms with all required registration information

Guest Management: Establish check-in procedures, house rules, and communication protocols

Ongoing Compliance: Maintain annual provincial registration and address any municipal compliance issues promptly

Special Considerations for Rural Properties

Halifax’s rural areas often have more flexible regulations due to mixed-use zoning and agricultural provisions. If your property is outside urban Halifax, you may have additional options through discretionary planning applications.

Rural Advantages:

Potential for more flexible zoning interpretations
Often fewer neighborhood density concerns
May qualify for special rural tourism provisions

Consultation Recommended: Rural properties should consult with municipal planners to understand specific opportunities and requirements.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Zoning Misunderstandings

Many property owners assume they can operate commercial STRs anywhere in Halifax. Commercial STRs are restricted to specific zones—verify your property’s eligibility before investing time and money.

Primary Residence Confusion

Residential STRs must be your actual primary residence, not just a property you own. The city defines this as where you normally reside, and compliance checks do occur.

Registration Delays

Both provincial and municipal registration can take time. Start the process early to avoid delays in launching your rental.

Incomplete Applications

Missing documentation, particularly floor plans for commercial STRs, can significantly delay permit approval.

Investment Considerations

Cost Structure

Residential STR: $200 permit + annual provincial registration
Commercial STR: $250 permit + annual provincial registration + potential higher insurance costs
Municipal Registration: One-time fee (varies by property type)

Revenue Potential

Residential STRs often have lower startup costs but may have occupancy limitations. Commercial STRs require higher initial investment but offer more operational flexibility.

Risk Assessment

Consider insurance requirements, liability coverage, and potential neighborhood relations when choosing your STR approach.

Enforcement and Compliance Monitoring

Halifax actively monitors STR compliance through:

311 Complaint System: Neighbors can report non-compliant operations
Online Listing Monitoring: Municipal staff check platforms for proper registration numbers
Periodic Inspections: Properties may be subject to safety and compliance checks

Compliance Tips:

Keep all permits and registrations current
Display registration numbers prominently
Maintain property safety standards
Address neighbor concerns promptly

Resources and Support

Official Channels

Halifax Website: halifax.ca/short-term-rentals
Municipal Inquiries: Call 311 for specific questions
Planning Consultations: Available for complex situations

Professional Services

Consider consulting with:

Municipal planners for zoning questions
Legal professionals for compliance assurance
Insurance specialists for coverage options

Looking Ahead: Future Considerations

Halifax’s STR regulations continue evolving as the city balances tourism benefits with housing concerns. Stay informed about:

Potential policy updates
Neighborhood-specific restrictions
Provincial regulation changes
Tax implications and requirements

Getting Started Today

The Halifax short-term rental market offers legitimate opportunities for property owners who approach it systematically. Success depends on understanding regulations, choosing the right property type, and maintaining ongoing compliance.

Next Steps:

Verify your property’s zoning status
Choose appropriate STR category
Begin permit application process
Plan your registration timeline
Prepare for launch while maintaining compliance

Remember that regulations can change, and staying informed through official Halifax channels ensures your STR business remains compliant and successful.

This guide reflects Halifax STR regulations as of July 2025. Always verify current requirements through official municipal sources before making business decisions.

Official Information: https://www.halifax.ca/about-halifax/regional-community-planning/short-term-rentals