Halifax Short-Term Rental Guide 2025: Everything You Need to Know About Airbnb Regulations in HRM

Last Updated: July 2025

Are you considering starting an Airbnb or short-term rental business in Halifax Regional Municipality? With the growing popularity of platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, understanding Halifax's short-term rental regulations is crucial for success. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about operating legally in HRM.

What Are Short-Term Rentals in Halifax?

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Halifax are defined as dwelling units, or parts thereof, rented for temporary accommodation of 28 days or less to travelers and vacationers. This includes properties listed on popular platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, and similar booking services.

Recent Regulatory Changes in Halifax

Halifax has implemented significant changes to short-term rental regulations:

September 1, 2023: Halifax adopted region-wide STR policies and land use by-laws for consistent regulations across HRM.

September 30, 2024: All short-term rentals must register annually under Nova Scotia's Short-term Rentals Registration Act.

These changes ensure better oversight and compliance across the Halifax region.

Types of Short-Term Rentals Permitted in Halifax

Residential STR (Primary Residence)

• Definition: Host lives in the same unit being rented
• Where Permitted: All zones with residential uses
• Permit Required: Zoning Confirmation Letter ($200)
• Key Feature: Must be your primary residence

Commercial STR

• Definition: Host does NOT live in the unit (investment property, cottage, etc.)
• Where Permitted: Only in zones permitting tourist/commercial accommodations
• Permit Required: Development Only Permit ($250)
• Key Feature: Income-focused rental property

Short-Term Bedroom Rental

• Definition: Renting individual bedrooms within a dwelling
• Where Permitted: Residential zones (for residential STRs) or commercial zones (for commercial STRs)
• Permit Required: Development Only Permit ($250)
• Bedroom Limits: Maximum 3 bedrooms (some zones allow up to 6) for residential; no limit for commercial

Halifax Short-Term Rental Registration Requirements

Provincial Registration

All STRs in Nova Scotia must register annually with the Provincial Tourist Accommodation Registry. Requirements include:

• Proof of municipal compliance (Zoning Confirmation Letter or Development Only Permit)
• Annual renewal
• Registration number displayed on all listings

Municipal Registration

The Municipal Residential Rental Registry requires:

• One-time registration for all rental properties
• Ensures minimum safety standards
• Registration number required for advertising

Step-by-Step Application Process

For Residential STRs (Primary Residence)

1. Apply for Zoning Confirmation Letter via Halifax's online PPLC system
2. Pay $200 fee
3. Use letter for provincial registration

For Commercial STRs and Bedroom Rentals

1. Apply for Development Only Permit via Halifax's online PPLC system
2. Pay $250 fee
3. Submit required documents (floor plan, site plan for commercial STRs)
4. Permit is valid for renewal and doesn't expire

Operating Rules and Compliance

Residential STR Rules

• Host must live in the unit as primary residence
• Entire home rentals permitted when host is temporarily away
• Subject to residential zoning requirements

Commercial STR Rules

• Host doesn't need to live in the unit
• Only permitted in designated commercial/tourist zones
• More flexible operating conditions

General Compliance Requirements

• Both provincial and municipal registration are mandatory
• Check zoning eligibility using Halifax's interactive mapping tool
• Contact 311 for zoning confirmation
• Report compliance issues via 311

Rural and Special Provisions

Some rural areas in HRM have more flexible rules due to:

• Mixed-use zoning provisions
• Specific by-law exceptions
• Discretionary planning applications may allow STRs in certain cases

For rural properties, consult with a municipal planner to understand specific requirements.

Complete Compliance Checklist

1. Research: Review Halifax STR regulations and confirm your property's zoning
2. Apply: Obtain necessary permit (Zoning Confirmation for residential, Development Only for commercial/bedroom rentals)
3. Register Municipally: Complete one-time Municipal Residential Rental Registry registration
4. Register Provincially: Annual Provincial Tourist Accommodation Registry registration
5. Display: Post registration number on all STR listings
6. Operate: Begin rental operations while maintaining ongoing compliance

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Starting without permits: Always obtain proper permits before listing
• Ignoring zoning restrictions: Commercial STRs can only operate in designated zones
• Missing registration deadlines: Both provincial and municipal registration are mandatory
• Incorrect primary residence claims: Residential STRs must be your actual primary residence

Fees and Costs Summary

Permit Type
Cost
Renewal
Zoning Confirmation Letter
$200
As needed
Development Only Permit
$250
Valid for renewal
Municipal Residential Rental Registry
Varies
One-time
Provincial Tourist Accommodation Registry
Varies
Annual

Getting Help and Resources

• Halifax Official Website: Visit halifax.ca for detailed STR information
• Zoning Questions: Contact 311 for property-specific inquiries
• Interactive Mapping: Use Halifax's online zoning tool
• Professional Consultation: Consider consulting a municipal planner for complex situations

Final Thoughts

Operating a short-term rental in Halifax requires careful attention to both provincial and municipal regulations. While the process may seem complex, following the proper steps ensures legal compliance and sets your STR business up for success.

Remember that regulations can change, so always verify current requirements before listing your property. With proper permits and registration, you can confidently operate your Airbnb or short-term rental in Halifax Regional Municipality.

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information based on regulations as of July 2025. Always consult official Halifax sources and consider professional advice for your specific situation. Regulations are subject to change.

For the most current information, visit: https://www.halifax.ca/about-halifax/regional-community-planning/short-term-rentals