At a glance
Space Share is a Canadian marketplace. Whether you're listing a studio for a shoot, a loft for a dinner club, a cottage for the weekend, or a backyard for a small event — these are the rules, taxes, and standards every Canadian host should know.
Quick note: This is a starting point, not legal or tax advice. Local rules change often — confirm specifics with your municipality, your condo board, your insurer, and a Canadian accountant where it matters.
The four host expectations
- Know the rules where you list. Short-term rental bylaws, event-space zoning, and condo declarations vary city to city — sometimes block to block.
- Handle the money properly. GST/HST where applicable, provincial accommodation taxes, and reporting hosting income to the CRA.
- Keep guests safe. Working smoke + CO detectors, a fire extinguisher, posted emergency info, and an honest listing description.
- Be a good neighbour. Noise, parking, garbage, and guest behaviour are what get hosts shut down. A short house-rules card and a heads-up to neighbours go a long way.
Taxes
Income you earn hosting on Space Share is taxable. Your obligations depend on your province, your revenue, and how you operate — talk to a Canadian tax professional for specifics.
What to plan for
- Income tax — Hosting income is reported on your annual return (typically due April 30). Pull figures from your host earnings summary.
- GST/HST — Generally required once your hosting revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 12-month period. Some short-term rental activity is taxable from dollar one.
- Provincial accommodation taxes — e.g. BC's MRDT (up to 3%), Quebec's lodging tax (3.5%), municipal accommodation taxes (MAT) in many Ontario cities (typically 4%).
- Records — Keep receipts, mileage, cleaning costs, and platform fees. Most are deductible against hosting income.
Canada Revenue Agency — Accommodation sharing
Local regulations by province & city
Select your area to read up on registration, permits, and short-term rental rules. If your city isn't listed, your provincial page is the right starting point.
British Columbia
- British Columbia (provincial STR rules)
- Vancouver
Alberta
- Alberta
- Calgary
- Edmonton
Saskatchewan
- Regina
- Saskatoon
Ontario
- Ontario
- Toronto
- Ottawa
- Mississauga
- Brampton
- Vaughan
- London
- Kingston
- Huntsville
- Northern Bruce Peninsula
- Prince Edward County
- Tiny
Quebec
- Quebec (CITQ registration)
- Montréal
Atlantic Canada
- Nova Scotia
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Prince Edward Island
- Charlottetown
Contracts, mortgages & housing
Before you list, make sure you're actually allowed to host on your property.
- Leases — Many leases restrict subletting or short-term hosting. Read yours, or ask your landlord for a written addendum.
- Condos & co-ops — Check the declaration, bylaws, and rules. Many Canadian condo boards prohibit short stays outright.
- Mortgages — If your property is financed, your lender may have restrictions on commercial use or short-term rentals.
- Subsidized housing — Almost always prohibits subletting without written permission from the housing authority.
- Housemates — If you share your home, agree in writing on hosting frequency, guest etiquette, and revenue sharing.
Insurance
Standard homeowner or tenant policies usually don't cover commercial activity like short-term hosting or events. Before you accept your first booking:
- Tell your insurer what you're doing — in writing.
- Ask whether you need a commercial rider, host-specific policy, or event coverage.
- Confirm liability limits cover the kinds of activities your space is used for (shoots, classes, gatherings, overnight stays).
Safety essentials
Every Canadian host should have these in place before going live:
- Smoke alarms on every level and outside sleeping areas (battery checked).
- Carbon monoxide detectors wherever there's a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace, or attached garage — required by law in most provinces.
- Fire extinguisher in or near the kitchen, with a visible expiry date.
- Clearly posted emergency info — civic address, nearest hospital, and your contact number.
- First-aid kit stocked and accessible.
- Clear exits — no blocked doors or windows.
For event or studio spaces, also confirm occupancy limits, accessible exits, and any fire-code requirements with your municipality.
Being a good neighbour
The fastest way to get shut down is to upset the people next door.
- Set and enforce a quiet hours policy (most Canadian cities: 11pm–7am).
- Cap guest counts clearly in your listing — and on a posted house-rules card.
- Provide parking guidance — where to park, where not to.
- Handle garbage and recycling on schedule. Don't leave it for the neighbours.
- Give nearby neighbours your phone number so they can reach you, not bylaw enforcement.
Need a hand?
Our Canadian hosting team can walk you through registration, taxes, and bylaws specific to your neighbourhood. Use the Help Centre or jump straight into setting up your listing.