The three best places to stay in for FIFA World Cup 2026 in Toronto are Liberty Village (walkable to BMO Field), King West and the Entertainment District (best for nightlife and fan energy), and the South Core and Financial District (best for transit connections). Toronto is hosting six matches at BMO Field between June 12 and July 2, 2026, including Canada’s opening game. Book early. Hotel prices around match dates have already surged well above baseline rates. 

Toronto is one of six Canadian cities hosting FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, and finding the right place to stay takes more planning than a typical trip. Hotel prices are already rising sharply, and Toronto’s short-term rental rules add another layer to consider before you book. This guide covers the best places, transit tips, and booking strategies to help you find a safe, verified place to stay. 

Why Toronto for FIFA 2026?

Toronto is the only Canadian city hosting Canada’s opening match, making it the focal point for fans travelling from across the country and around the world. BMO Field sits on the western waterfront at Exhibition Place, and the City is planning a FIFA Fan Festival at Fort York and the Bentway with family programming throughout the tournament window. 

For visitors arriving by air, the UP Express connects Toronto Pearson International Airport to Union Station in roughly 25 minutes, putting you within easy reach of all central places listed below. 

Top places to stay near BMO Field Stadiem, Toronto for FIFA 2026 stays

Once you know which area fits, liv.rent’s map view makes it easy to search verified listings by places and filter by price, unit type, and pet policy. 

Liberty Village: closest to BMO Field Stadium

Pros: 

• Walkable to BMO Field in 15–20 minutes, no transit required 

• Exhibition GO Station is steps away for easy city connections 

• Strong café, restaurant, and bar scene for pre- and post-match 

Cons: 

• Among the pricier options given stadium proximity 

• Crowded and loud on match days 

• Limited accommodation variety compared to downtown 

Example stay: A one- or two-bedroom condo rental shared among a group to offset the higher nightly cost 

Ideal for: Fans who want to walk to every match and stay close to the action 

Entertainment District: nightlife and fan energy

Pros: 

• Toronto’s densest concentration of bars, restaurants, and live-music venues 

• Strong TTC and GO connections to BMO Field via Union Station 

• Wide range of accommodation types and price points 

Cons: 

• Noisy and busy even on non-match nights 

• 15–20 minute transit trip adds up over multiple match days 

• Not ideal for early bedtimes 

Example stay: A furnished studio or one-bedroom condo near King and Spadina 

Ideal for: Fans prioritising post-match atmosphere and nightlife over stadium proximity 

North York and Scarborough: budget-friendly outskirts

Pros: 

• Significantly lower nightly rates than central locations

• Quieter, residential streets away from tournament crowds 

• Good TTC and GO connections into the city 

Cons: 

• 40–60 minute commute to BMO Field each way, longer on match days 

• Less access to central dining and fan-zone activity 

• More transit planning required, especially late at night 

Example stay: A two- or three-bedroom house or basement suite for families or larger groups 

Ideal for: Budget-conscious travellers and families who prioritise space and quiet over proximity 

South Core and Financial District: transit hub for visitors

Pros: 

• One GO Train stop from Exhibition GO Station and BMO Field 

• Ideal for visitors arriving from the airport via UP Express 

• Upscale condo rentals with waterfront access 

Cons: 

• Among the most expensive places for accommodation 

• Quieter and less festive than Liberty Village or the Entertainment District 

• Corporate feel may not suit fans looking for a lively base 

Example stay: A high-floor condo rental near the waterfront, convenient for early departures and airport connections 

Ideal for: Visitors arriving by train or plane who prioritise transit convenience over atmosphere 

Queen West and Ossington: for the hip and trendy fan

Pros: 

• One of Toronto’s best areas for independent restaurants, bars, and street art 

• More affordable than the Entertainment District for comparable unit types 

• Streetcar service provides a direct route toward Exhibition Place 

Cons: 

• Roughly 25 minutes to BMO Field by streetcar, longer on match days 

• Less family-friendly with a lively late-night bar scene 

• Fewer large multi-bedroom rentals than more residential areas 

Example stay: A one-bedroom apartment or partial house rental along Queen West or Ossington Avenue 

Ideal for: Fans who want to experience Toronto’s cultural and food scene and are happy to commute to matches 

Getting around: transit to Toronto Stadium

According to the official Toronto FIFA 2026 transport guide, there is no general parking at Toronto Stadium during the World Cup. Public transit, walking, and cycling are the recommended options for all matches and Fan Festival events. 

BMO Field is directly served by Exhibition GO Station (Lakeshore West line) and TTC streetcar routes 509 and 511, both connecting to Union Station. Practical tips for match days: 

• GO Train from Union Station: The fastest option from the downtown core. Exhibition GO Station is a short walk from the stadium entrance. Plan your trip at GO Transit’s FIFA page. 

• TTC streetcar: Routes 509 and 511 run from Union Station along the waterfront. Expect crowding on match days. Check TTC’s World Cup service updates before you travel. 

• Walking from Liberty Village: Fans staying in Liberty Village or Parkdale can walk to the stadium in under 20 minutes, avoiding transit altogether. 

• Driving: There is no on-site parking at Toronto Stadium during the World Cup. Transit is strongly recommended. 

• Transit tip: Download the PRESTO app before you arrive. It works across GO Transit and TTC and will save time at busy fare gates on match days. 

Booking tips for World Cup rentals

With Hotel X Toronto listing a king bed with lake view at $1,045 CAD per night during World Cup dates, with a minimum two-night stay required, short-term rentals are worth serious consideration for anyone still planning their stay. 

• Book early: Matches run June 12 to July 2, 2026, with Canada’s opening match on June 12 selling out fastest. According to Global News (December 2025), average nightly hotel rates across host cities jumped to $1,013 CAD around opening match dates, up from $293 CAD three weeks earlier.

• Consider a mid-term stay: The City of Toronto’s short-term rental rules, including the principal residence requirement and the 8.5% MAT, apply only to stays of fewer than 28 consecutive days. Rentals of 28 days or more fall outside the short-term rental bylaw entirely. For fans combining the World Cup with a longer Toronto visit, a mid-term rental through a verified platform like liv.rent is worth exploring. 

• Verify compliance before you book: Under City of Toronto rules, short-term rental hosts may only rent their principal residence and must be registered with the City. Non-compliant listings increase on less-regulated platforms during major events. A host without City registration can have their rental shut down mid-booking. Book through a platform that verifies landlord identity before listings go live. 

• Groups save on multi-bedroom units: Splitting a two- or three-bedroom rental among a group consistently beats individual hotel rooms on a per-person basis at World Cup prices. Search for Toronto rental stays near BMO flied.

Hotels vs Extended Stay Rental or Short-Term Rentals: Which is better for your Trip?

Hotels Stays: Hotel stays are often the easiest choice for short FIFA 2026 trips, especially if you are staying only one or two nights, want front-desk service, daily housekeeping, predictable check-in, and a simple booking experience near downtown Toronto, nightlife, restaurants, or transit. However, hotels may not always be the best fit for every visitor. During major events like FIFA 2026, hotel rooms can become expensive quickly, and availability near Toronto Stadium, downtown, or major transit hubs may be limited. For groups, families, and fans staying for several nights, a standard hotel room may also feel restrictive because of limited space, no kitchen, no laundry, and fewer options for separate sleeping areas.

– Short-term rentals, Mid-term rentals and Extended stay rentals: These rental options are a strong fit for FIFA 2026 visitors who want more space, privacy, and flexibility than a traditional hotel. Short-term rentals are best for fans staying a few nights or up to one or two weeks, especially groups, families, or visitors who want separate bedrooms, a kitchen, and a more local Toronto experience. Mid-term rentals are better for guests staying several weeks, such as remote workers, visitors attending multiple matches, or people combining FIFA with business, relocation, or an extended vacation. Extended stay rentals are ideal for those who need a more stable home base, with furnished living space, reliable Wi-Fi, laundry, workspace, storage, and the comfort of daily routines. On liv.rent, these options make it easier to choose accommodation based on trip length, group size, budget, and lifestyle needs instead of relying only on hotels.

Furnished rental apartments are a strong option for visitors staying several nights or combining FIFA matches with sightseeing, remote work, business travel, or visiting family. They can offer more comfort than a hotel while still feeling more reliable and professionally managed than some peer-to-peer rental options.

– Airport hotels: Airport hotels are useful for quick trips, late arrivals, early departures, or visitors with tight flight schedules, but they are usually less ideal for nightlife, sightseeing, and easy stadium access unless you are comfortable relying on transit, taxis, or rideshare.

How to book accommodations near BMO Field Stadium, Toronto with liv.rent

For World Cup visitors, liv.rent has a practical edge over general listing sites: every landlord is ID-verified before their listing goes live, which matters more than usual when scam listings spike around major events. The platform handles digital leases end-to-end, so there is no ambiguity about what you agreed to or who you are dealing with. 

• Search by places with map view: Filter listings by area and see exactly where each property sits relative to BMO Field and transit routes. 

• Set a listing alert: Inventory is moving fast. Set up an alert and get notified the moment a matching property is posted. 

• Look for the verified badge: The ID verified badge means a landlord’s identity has been confirmed against government-issued ID — the fastest signal you are dealing with a legitimate host. 

• Use a digital lease: A signed lease through liv.rent creates a clear, documented agreement, worth having when demand is high and disputes are harder to resolve through unverified channels. 

FAQs about accommodations in Toronto for FIFA World Cup 2026

The post Where to stay in Toronto for FIFA 2026: The Ultimate Accommodation Guide appeared first on liv.rent blog.

• One-bedroom rents declined across most Winnipeg districts in March
  • Downtown rents fell from $1,292/month in February to $1,252/month in March (-3.1%), while West Winnipeg declined from $1,397/month to $1,377/month (-1.4%). South Winnipeg also dropped from $1,374/month to $1,327/month (-3.4%), suggesting a slight cooling in smaller-unit demand across the city.
    
• West Winnipeg recorded the highest one-bedroom rents in March
  • West Winnipeg recorded the highest one-bedroom unfurnished rents in March 2026, averaging $1,377/month, placing it above South Winnipeg ($1,327/month), St. Boniface ($1,321/month), and East Winnipeg ($1,306/month), reinforcing the area’s position as one of the city’s more expensive rental markets.
    
• South Winnipeg recorded the highest three-bedroom rents
  • South Winnipeg averaged $2,044/month in March 2026. This was slightly higher than West Winnipeg ($2,036/month) and well above Downtown ($1,558/month), highlighting stronger demand for family-sized rentals in Winnipeg’s southern neighbourhoods.
    

liv.rent’s 2026 Canada Rental Market Trends Report is now live.

Average rent across Winnipeg

This month, the average rent price for an unfurnished one-bedroom unit was $1,316/month, well below rates in other major Canadian rental markets like Metro Vancouver and Toronto. This March, rent for an unfurnished one-bedroom was $26 less than last month.

Month-to-month rent change

To better understand how rent prices have changed in Winnipeg, let’s look at the most significant changes for unfurnished one-bedroom units this month.

Several areas saw notable changes in average rent prices this month. Looking at unfurnished one-bedroom units, the North End (-4.13%), South Winnipeg (-3.39%), and Downtown (-3.10%) saw decreases, while St. Boniface (7.54%) saw the only increase (1.58%). Furnished units saw no significant changes.

Winnipeg unfurnished vs. furnished rent averages

This March, average monthly rent prices for unfurnished one-bedroom units decreased (-1.92%) to $1,316/month.

Looking for our full March 2026 Winnipeg Rent Report? Download your copy here to get all the latest insights, including a detailed breakdown by neighbourhood.

Neighbourhood breakdown

Winnipeg’s most and least expensive neighbourhoods had slightly different average rent prices this March. This month, downtown Winnipeg is the cheapest neighbourhood to rent in at an average of $1,252/month for an unfurnished one-bedroom unit. Meanwhile, West Winnipeg is the most expensive neighbourhood, at an average of $1,377/month – $125 more than in downtown.

Let’s look even closer at the different listing types to see the differences in one-, two-, and three-bedroom rental rates across each area.

• All unfurnished one-bedroom rent prices decreased across Winnipeg neighbourhoods except St. Boniface.
• All unfurnished two-bedroom rent prices decreased across Winnipeg neighbourhoods except North End and East Winnipeg.
• All unfurnished one-, two-, three-bedroom rentals decreased in price in South Winnipeg.

Be sure to subscribe to our mailing list so you never miss an update on the Winnipeg rental market.

Downloadable Resources

Data collection methodology

Rethink The Way You Rent

Not on liv.rent yet? Experience the ease of digital applications & contracts, verified tenants & landlords, virtual tours and more – all on one platform. Sign up for free or download the app.

Subscribe to receive monthly updates on Canada’s major rental markets. Discover last month’s Rent Reports below:

Vancouver Rent Report
Ontario Rent Report
Montreal Rent Report
Calgary and Edmonton Rent Report

The post March 2026 Winnipeg Rent Report appeared first on liv.rent blog.

• Biggest unit type decline
  • Two-bedroom rents saw the steepest declines in Alberta, dropping -7.2% in Calgary and -6.6% in Edmonton year-over-year (May 2026 vs May 2025). This marked the largest decline across all unit types.
    
• Calgary Northeast leads Alberta rent declines
  • Calgary Northeast recorded the biggest rent drop in Alberta, with one-bedroom rents falling -14.2% year-over-year ($1,546 → $1,326), while all other areas also declined between -2.4% and -10.8%.
    
• Strongest growth contrast in 2026
  • Edmonton Southeast led rent growth in 2026, with one-bedroom rents rising +4.3% since January, from $1,275 to $1,330, while most areas changed by less than 2%.
    

Download liv.rent’s 2026 Canada Rental Market Trends Report for in-depth insights and forecasts on average rent prices, regional market comparisons, key economic drivers, and emerging AI trends shaping Canada’s rental landscape.

As of April 29th, 2026, the Bank of Canada maintains the interest rate at 2.25%, holding steady for the fourth consecutive announcement. Experts predict this rate will be maintained through most of 2026.

Let’s take a look now at the current rental costs and overarching trends in Calgary and Edmonton for May 2026. Don’t forget, you can download the entire report as a one-page infographic PDF below.

Average rent across Calgary

This May, Calgary’s city-wide average monthly rent price for an unfurnished one-bedroom unit increased by $14, bringing the rate for an unfurnished one-bedroom unit to $1,454/month.

Month-to-month rent change

This chart breaks down the percentage change in rent prices across all of Calgary’s quadrants between April and May 2026.

For furnished one-bedroom units, largest decreases were seen in Northwest (-6.24%) and City Centre (-3.02%), while Southwest saw the largest increase (+8.88%). On the other hand, unfurnished one-bedroom units saw an increase across all quadrants, with City Centre (+1.91%) seeing the largest increase.

Average unfurnished vs furnished rates

Unfurnished vs furnished rates in Calgary

Average rates for furnished and unfurnished one-bedroom units in Calgary increased this month. The average monthly rent for an unfurnished one-bedroom unit increased (0.92%) to an average of $1,454/month this month. Prices for furnished one-bedroom units increased this month (0.18%), to a new average cost of $1,590/month.

At present, furnished units cost an average of $136 more per month to rent than unfurnished units. This means that landlords are likely to earn a higher profit by renting their units furnished.

Average rent across Edmonton

This month, Edmonton’s rental rates for an unfurnished one-bedroom unit increased, making Edmonton’s average monthly rent $1,249/month. There is a significant difference from last year, when rent prices were $69 more than this May’s average rent.

Month-to-month rent change

This chart breaks down the percentage change in rent prices across all of Edmonton’s different sectors between April and May 2026.

This May, there was a substantial increase for furnished one-bedroom units in Southwest Edmonton (6.95%), while there were notable decreases seen in Southeast Edmonton (-4.00%) and Northwest Edmonton (-3.37%). On the other hand, Southeast Edmonton saw the largest increase (+4.87%) for unfurnished one-bedroom units.

Unfurnished vs furnished rates in Edmonton

In Edmonton, average monthly rent prices for furnished one-bedroom units decreased (-2.60%) to $1,386/month, while prices for unfurnished one-bedroom units increased (0.65%) to $1,249/month. As of May 2026, furnished units in Edmonton rent for an average of $137 more than unfurnished units. This indicates that landlords who can rent their units furnished would benefit from doing so, particularly on a short-term basis.

Looking for our full May 2026 Calgary & Edmonton Rent Report? Download your copy here to get all the latest insights, including a detailed breakdown by neighbourhood.

Quadrant/Sector breakdown 

To better understand each of these cities’ average rental prices, let’s break down both Calgary and Edmonton into their constituent quadrants/sectors. We’ll examine prices and trends for one-, two-, and three-bedroom units in each city for a more in-depth analysis.

Quadrant breakdown: Calgary

• Prices increased for unfurnished one-bedroom units in all sectors.
• Prices decreased for all unfurnished two-bedroom units except in the Southeast.
• A little over half of unfurnished three-bedroom units increased in rental cost across Calgary quadrants except in the Northwest and Southeast.

Sector breakdown: Edmonton

• Rents increased for unfurnished one-bedroom units in Downtown, Northwest, West, and Southeast Edmonton, while they decreased in Northeast and Southwest Edmonton.
• Furnished rents increased for all unit types in Southwest Edmonton.
• Furnished two-bedroom rents saw an increase across all quadrants except Downtown and Northwest.

Downloadable resources

Rental resources for Alberta renters

You can read these comprehensive guides for more information on renting in Alberta and using liv.rent to streamline your rental process.

• FAQ: Landlord & tenant responsibilities in Alberta
• FAQ: Everything you need to know about rent deposits in Alberta
• The Complete User Guide To liv.rent For Landlords & Property Managers
• The Ultimate Renter’s Guide To Using liv.rent

Data collection methodology

Rethink The Way You Rent

Not on liv.rent yet? Experience the ease of digital applications & contracts, verified tenants & landlords, virtual tours and more – all on one platform. Sign up for free or download the app.

Subscribe to receive monthly updates on Canada’s major rental markets. Discover last month’s Rent Reports below:

Vancouver Rent Report
Ontario Rent Report
Montreal Rent Report
Calgary and Edmonton Rent Report

The post May 2026 Calgary & Edmonton Rent Report appeared first on liv.rent blog.

Toronto allows home-sharing on platforms like Airbnb, but the rules are strict, layered, and actively enforced. Hosts must register with the city, rentals are limited to a principal residence, and condo bylaws can add another layer of restrictions on top. Renters looking to skip the complexity altogether can search verified 28-day-plus rentals on liv.rent, where the short-term rental rules simply do not apply. Here is what renters, landlords, and property managers need to know in 2026.

What counts as a short-term rental in Toronto?

Definition of a short-term rental under city rules

Under the City of Toronto’s bylaws, a short-term rental is all or part of a dwelling unit rented for fewer than 28 consecutive days. This applies to spare bedrooms and entire units alike, on any platform or direct booking. 

What is excluded from the short-term rental rules?

Hotels, motels, and bed-and-breakfasts licensed under separate municipal rules are excluded, as are student residences owned or operated by publicly funded or non-profit educational institutions. 

Who can legally operate a short-term rental in Toronto?

Only individuals (not corporations) may register, and the unit must be their principal residence. Renting out an investment property or secondary suite you do not live in is prohibited under the bylaw. For a full list of short-term rentals in Toronto that meet the city’s rules, liv.rent’s verified listings are a good place to start.  

The principal residence rule in plain language

How the city defines “principal residence”

In Toronto, principal residence is where you actually live: the address on your driver’s licence, tax filings, and utility bills. The city may request at least two supporting documents to confirm it. Misrepresenting your principal residence is one of the city’s top enforcement targets.

One principal residence at a time limit

Each registration is tied to one address. Where a registration is revoked, no one else can register at that address for 12 months. The city’s rules are designed to stop “portfolio-style” operators from running multiple short-term rentals under the home-sharing framework. 

Airbnb rules vs condo bylaws: two gates you must open

City-level rules vs building-level condo restrictions

City registration is necessary but not always sufficient. Condo corporations can ban or restrict short-term rentals through their own bylaws, and many Toronto boards require minimum rental terms of 30 days or longer. Ontario courts have upheld these restrictions. Both the city’s rules and the building’s rules must be satisfied.     

How condo boards override platform assumptions

Airbnb will not flag a listing that violates a building’s bylaws. Boards can impose fines of hundreds of dollars per day for unauthorized short-term rentals. The City of Toronto also publishes all active short-term rental registrations, including unit numbers, on its Open Data portal, giving boards a straightforward way to identify non-compliant units. 

Risks for tenants and renters using short-term rentals

When you’re legally subletting vs violating your lease

Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act requires landlord consent to sublet. Renting your unit on a short-term basis without that consent, or in breach of a clause prohibiting business use, can lead to eviction through the Landlord and Tenant Board on grounds of substantial interference or illegal activity. 

Common pitfalls for tenants using Airbnb arbitrage

Some tenants lease units long-term and re-rent them short-term for income. In Toronto this typically breaches the lease, violates condo bylaws, and conflicts with the principal residence rule, since the tenant is not genuinely living in the unit. The city’s framework is explicitly designed to prevent this. 

Licensing and registration process in 2026

Every short-term rental operator in Toronto needs a valid city registration before listing. For a deeper look at the licensing process, our Toronto short-term rental licence guide covers the full details. Here is the quick version.

Who must register and why it matters

Every short-term rental operator in Toronto must register and display a valid registration number before accepting bookings. No exemptions apply based on frequency or income. Platforms must verify registration numbers against city data and remove listings that lack one. 

Step-by-step registration journey through the city portal

Register at the City of Toronto’s online STR portal: 

1. Create an account and select your rental type (partial unit or entire unit). 

2. Enter your property address, matching it exactly to your proof of residence. 

3. Upload government-issued ID and at least one proof-of-residence document. 

4. Pay by credit card. The 2026 fee is $375 for new registrations and $390 for annual renewals. 

Registration is valid for one year. Entire-unit rentals are capped at 180 nights per year. Partial-unit rentals (rooms rented while you remain in the home) have no annual night cap. 

Common violations and how fines stack up

The most common violations are operating without registration, renting a non-principal-residence unit, and failing to collect and remit the Municipal Accommodation Tax. Fines start around $1,000 for first-time infractions and can reach $100,000 for serious or repeated offences, with additional daily fines for continuing violations. Non-compliant hosts also risk platform delisting, condo enforcement, and, for tenants, eviction.   

Tax implications: MAT, HST, and income tax

Municipal accommodation tax (MAT) at 8.5%

Toronto applies a Municipal Accommodation Tax on stays of fewer than 28 days. The current rate is 8.5%, in effect from June 1, 2025 to July 31, 2026 under Bylaw 1259-2024, after which it returns to 6% unless council acts otherwise. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit it on behalf of operators through a Voluntary Collection Agreement, but hosts must still file a MAT report each quarter regardless. 

HST and CRA expectations for short-term hosts

Once taxable revenues exceed $30,000 in any 12-month period, hosts must register for and remit GST/HST, per the Canada Revenue Agency. Short-term rental income must also be reported on a personal tax return. Consult a tax professional for guidance specific to your situation. 

Enforcement reality in 2026: how the city and condo boards catch hosts

Data sharing with Airbnb and other platforms

Toronto requires licensed short-term rental platforms to verify all listings against the city’s registration database and remove those without a valid number. Platforms must also retain records of all short-term rental activity for three years and provide them to the city on request. Enforcement is no longer complaint-driven. 

Public short-term rental data and condo monitoring

All active registrations, including unit numbers and addresses, are publicly searchable on the city’s Open Data portal. Condo boards regularly use this data, alongside direct platform monitoring, to identify unauthorized short-term rentals in their buildings. 

Toronto short-term rental rules for property managers

Compliance obligations when managing multiple units

The bylaw’s “cause or permit” language means managers can face fines alongside owners for enabling violations. For each unit managed, confirm the host’s registration number, verify genuine principal residence, and check that the building’s condo bylaws permit short-term rental activity. 

Risk management for licensed operators and their agents

Disclose short-term rental activity to your insurer: standard homeowner and landlord policies may not cover STR-related claims if the activity was not declared. Guest screening, clear house rules, and timely MAT filings are the most practical way to stay compliant and avoid escalating penalties. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

The post Toronto short-term rental rules explained (2026 guide for renters, landlords, & property managers) appeared first on liv.rent blog.

• East Winnipeg sees the steepest decline
  • East Winnipeg recorded the largest drop in Winnipeg, with 1-bed rents falling 11.0% since January ($1,269 → $1,130), marking the biggest shift across all neighborhoods
    
• St. Boniface leads rent growth in 2026
  • St. Boniface saw the strongest increase, with 1-bed rents rising 4.5% since January ($1,209 → $1,263), followed by South Winnipeg at +3.4%
    
• Larger units drive the biggest rent swings
  • 2-bedroom rents saw the most volatility, with South Winnipeg rising 9.7% month over month ($1,636 → $1,794), while 1-bedroom rents remained relatively stable across most areas
    

Download liv.rent’s 2026 Canada Rental Market Trends Report for in-depth insights and forecasts on average rent prices, regional market comparisons, key economic drivers, and emerging AI trends shaping Canada’s rental landscape.

Average rent across Winnipeg

This month, the average rent for an unfurnished one-bedroom unit was $1,317/month, keeping it well below prices in other major Canadian rental markets like Metro Vancouver and Toronto. Compared to last month, unfurnished one-bedroom rent in May increased by $13.

Month-to-month rent change

To better understand how rent prices have changed in Winnipeg, let’s look at the most significant changes for unfurnished one-bedroom units this month.

St. Boniface (-2.44%) and West Winnipeg (-1.99%) saw the largest decreases, while East Winnipeg (+7.57%) saw the largest increase.

Winnipeg unfurnished vs. furnished rent averages

This May, average monthly rent prices for unfurnished one-bedroom units increased (+0.98%) to $1,317/month.

Looking for our full May 2026 Winnipeg Rent Report? Download your copy here to get all the latest insights, including a detailed breakdown by neighbourhood.

Neighbourhood breakdown

Winnipeg’s most and least expensive neighbourhoods had slightly different average rent prices this May. This month, St. Boniface is the cheapest neighbourhood to rent in at an average of $1,263/month for an unfurnished one-bedroom unit. Meanwhile, South Winnipeg is the most expensive neighbourhood, at an average of $1,376/month – $113 more than in St. Boniface.

Let’s look even closer at the different listing types to see the differences in one-, two-, and three-bedroom rental rates across each area.

• Half of unfurnished one-bedroom rent prices decreased across Winnipeg neighbourhoods, including St. Boniface (-2.44%), West Winnipeg (-1.99%), and Winnipeg North End (-0.35%).
• All types of unfurnished rental units increased in East Winnipeg.
• Unfurnished two-bedroom rent price increased across all neighbourhoods except St. Boniface.

Be sure to subscribe to our mailing list so you never miss an update on the Winnipeg rental market.

Downloadable Resources

Data collection methodology

Rethink The Way You Rent

Not on liv.rent yet? Experience the ease of digital applications & contracts, verified tenants & landlords, virtual tours and more – all on one platform. Sign up for free or download the app.

Subscribe to receive monthly updates on Canada’s major rental markets. Discover last month’s Rent Reports below:

Vancouver Rent Report
Ontario Rent Report
Montreal Rent Report
Calgary and Edmonton Rent Report

The post May 2026 Winnipeg Rent Report appeared first on liv.rent blog.

• Ontario rents continue to decline across major markets compared to last year
  • Rents across Ontario have declined compared to last year, with one-bedroom unfurnished units averaging $1,970, down 8.8%. The largest drops were recorded in markets such as Brampton (-10.8%) and Downtown Toronto (-10.2%).
    
• Core and suburban markets show diverging rental trends in 2026
  • While Downtown Toronto recorded consistent declines across all unit types, with one-bedroom rents down -4.72% since January and -5.94% month over month, outer markets such as Etobicoke saw strong growth. One-bedroom rents in Etobicoke increased +6.98% since January and +7.51% month over month, highlighting shifting demand toward suburban areas.
    
• Larger rental units are experiencing the most volatility across Ontario
  • Three-bedroom rents have shown the widest fluctuations, with Etobicoke rising +16.91% since the start of the year while other markets, such as Ottawa, declined -3.40% month over month. This uneven movement suggests demand for larger units remains inconsistent across regions.
    

Download liv.rent’s 2026 Canada Rental Market Trends Report for in-depth insights and forecasts on average rent prices, regional market comparisons, key economic drivers, and emerging AI trends shaping Canada’s rental landscape.

As of April 29th, 2026, the Bank of Canada maintains the interest rate at 2.25%, holding steady for the fourth consecutive announcement. Experts predict this rate will be maintained through most of 2026.

As of May 2026, the City of Toronto’s average monthly rent for an unfurnished one-bedroom dropped YoY by $206, reaching a new average of $1,942/month.

Ontario rent trends

Compared to last month, the average rent price for an unfurnished one-bedroom unit in Toronto decreased by $8 this May to $1,942/month. The average rent for a furnished one-bedroom increased by $15 since last month, bringing the rate to $1,998/month.

Planning on raising rent this year? Ontario’s Annual allowable rent increase limit for 2026 is 2.5%. Find out when and how you can increase rent and ensure you’re complying with provincial guidelines by reading our updated Guide to Ontario Rent Increases.

Month-to-month rent change

This chart breaks down the percentage change in rent prices across all GTA cities/municipalities between April and May 2026.

Unfurnished Toronto rent trends

For unfurnished one-bedroom units, Downtown (-5.97%) and Markham (-2.84%) saw the largest decreases, while Etobicoke (7.50%), North York (3.83%), and Ottawa (1.59%) saw notable increases.

Furnished Toronto rent trends

This month, average rent prices for furnished one-bedroom units across the GTA saw notable declines, with Scarborough recording the steepest drop at -7.50%. Mississauga was the only city to see an increase, rising by +9.35%.

Toronto furnished vs unfurnished averages

This month, prices for unfurnished one-bedroom units saw a decrease (-0.43%) to $1,942/month while furnished units increased (0.75%) to $1,998/month. The average furnished one-bedroom unit rents for $56 more than a one-bedroom unfurnished unit.

Rent per square foot

Our monthly Rent Reports also look more closely at the average rent per square foot in cities throughout the Greater Toronto Area. This May, Downtown ($2.86/sq. ft.) had the highest rent per square foot. At the other end of the spectrum, Brampton had the lowest rent per square foot ($1.36/sq. ft.).

Active listing data

We’ll also look at detailed statistics for currently active listings available to see which property types and number of bedrooms are the most represented. For renters, these numbers show which types of units you’re most likely to encounter in the Greater Toronto Area, while for landlords, you can assess how much competition you’ll face based on the current supply.

Active listings by property type

As of May 2026, the most common rental property type was apartments, dominating the majority of all listings in the GTA at 88.35%. Partial houses were the second most common unit type this month, representing 5.16% of active listings, followed by houses at 3.91% and townhouses at 2.58%.

Active listings by number of bedrooms

In terms of the number of bedrooms, we saw a varied spread across active listings on the market this May. One-bedroom units were the most common type of listing in the GTA this month at 49.80%, while two-bedroom units represented 41.25% of the region’s active listings. Three-bedroom units made up the remaining 8.94%.

City breakdown

This May, Oshawa is the cheapest municipality to rent in out of the areas we look at for our Rent Reports, while Oakville is the region’s most expensive place to rent this month.

The average rent price for an unfurnished one-bedroom unit in Etobicoke currently stands at $2,176/month, while in Oshawa the same type of unit rents for an average of $1,587/month – a difference of $589 between the two.

With Ontario’s different communities being so diverse, we’re breaking down the GTA into its different cities and municipalities to see the price difference within listing types: one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom units, both unfurnished and furnished.

• All prices for unfurnished one-bedrooms increased except in Markham and Downtown.
• All furnished one-bedroom units decreased except in Mississauga.
• Etobicoke, North York, and Vaughan-Richmond Hill were the only cities that saw an increase in price for all types of unfurnished units.

Rental averages for other Ontario cities

We’ve also looked at data from cities and municipalities in other regions within and surrounding the GTA. Looking at these additional cities, Oshawa is the least expensive to rent in May for one-bedroom unfurnished units at $1,587/month. Etobicoke is the most expensive for unfurnished one-bedroom units at $2,176/month.

For complete data on these cities as well as other municipalities outside of the Greater Toronto Area, download our full report here to view the complete report.

Most expensive cities in Canada

This May, all of the country’s most expensive cities are located in Metro Vancouver. West Vancouver is the most expensive city in the country to rent in, followed by North Vancouver, Vancouver, Burnaby and Richmond.

Downloadable resources

Our complete May 2026 Rent Report has information on even more key areas, broken down into region and unit type for a complete overview of rental averages in Ontario. To view these and all the other new information we’ve added, be sure to download your copy of the Rent Report below.

Renting in Ontario

For more information on renting in Ontario, refer to these comprehensive resource posts:

• What’s A Standard Rental Application?
• What do you need when applying for a rental?
• What Can A Landlord Ask For On A Rental Application In Ontario?
• How Do I Fill Out A Rental Application?
• Ontario Standard Lease Explained
• Frequently Asked Questions: Everything You Need to Know About Eviction in Ontario

Data collection methodology

Rethink The Way You Rent

Not on liv.rent yet? Experience the ease of digital applications & contracts, verified tenants & landlords, virtual tours and more – all on one platform. Sign up for free or download the app.

Subscribe to receive monthly updates on Canada’s major rental markets. Discover last month’s Rent Reports below:

Vancouver Rent Report
Ontario Rent Report
Montreal Rent Report
Calgary and Edmonton Rent Report

The post May 2026 Ontario Rent Report appeared first on liv.rent blog.

• Montreal rents decline across most neighborhoods compared to last year
  • Rents across Montreal have declined in 9 out of 10 neighbourhoods compared to last year, with 1-bedroom units falling by up to 11.4%. The citywide average decreased from $1,710 to $1,636 (-4.3%), reflecting a broad easing in rental pricing across the market.
    
• Saint-Henri stands out as the only major growth market
  • While most areas recorded declines, Saint-Henri saw a significant increase, with 1-bedroom rents rising 20.0% compared to last year, from $1,611 to $1,933. This makes it the only major Montreal neighbourhood to post strong growth, highlighting localized demand shifts.
    
• Higher-priced neighborhoods are seeing the largest rent corrections
  • Previously higher-priced areas such as Verdun and Westmount experienced the most significant declines, with rents dropping 11.4% and 10.1% respectively compared to last year. In contrast, lower-priced areas such as NDG saw smaller decreases, indicating stronger pricing adjustments at the higher end of the market.
    

Download liv.rent’s 2026 Canada Rental Market Trends Report for in-depth insights and forecasts on average rent prices, regional market comparisons, key economic drivers, and emerging AI trends shaping Canada’s rental landscape.

Average rent across Montreal

This month, the average rent price for an unfurnished one-bedroom unit has increased by $10 bringing Montreal’s city-wide average rent to $1,636/month, still well below rates in other major Canadian rental markets like Metro Vancouver and Toronto. Looking at a year-over-year comparison, Montreal’s city-wide rental rate for an unfurnished one-bedroom unit is $74 less than what it was in May 2025.

Month-to-month rent change

Looking at both furnished and unfurnished units, there were some notable changes in rental rates across Montreal neighbourhoods this month.

Looking first at unfurnished one-bedroom units, notable decreases were seen in Ahuntsic-Cartierville (-2.23%) and Notre-Dame-de-Grâce/Côte-des-Neiges (-1.89%). On the other hand, Saint-Laurent saw the largest increase (+5.13%).

For furnished one-bedroom units, Villeray-Parc-Extension (+6.47%) and Hochelaga-Maisonneuve (+4.43%) saw the largest increases, while Le Plateau-Mont-Royal (-2.31%) and Ahuntsic-Cartierville (-2.31%) saw notable declines this month.

Montreal unfurnished vs furnished rent averages

This May, average monthly rent prices for both unfurnished and furnished one-bedroom units increased. Unfurnished one-bedroom units increased (+0.63%) to $1,636/month, while furnished one-bedroom units increased (+0.41%) to $1,596/month.

Looking for our full May 2026 Montreal Rent Report? Download your copy here to get all the latest insights, including a detailed breakdown by neighbourhood.

Neighbourhood breakdown

This month, Ahuntsic-Cartierville is the cheapest neighbourhood to rent in at an average of $1,370/month for an unfurnished one-bedroom unit. Meanwhile, Saint Henri is the most expensive neighbourhood for an unfurnished one-bedroom, at an average of $1,933/month – $563 more than in Ahuntsic-Cartierville.

Let’s look even closer at the different listing types to see the differences in one-, two-, and three-bedroom rental rates across each area.

• Villeray-Parc-Extension and Westmount were the only two neighbourhoods that saw an increase in price across all types of unfurnished units
• Unfurnished two-bedroom rent prices increased across all neighbourhoods except Ahuntsic-Cartierville
• Saint Laurent was the only neighbourhood that saw a decrease in price across all types of furnished units

Be sure to subscribe to our mailing list so you never miss an update on the Montreal rental market.

Downloadable Resources

Data collection methodology

Rethink The Way You Rent

Not on liv.rent yet? Experience the ease of digital applications & contracts, verified tenants & landlords, virtual tours and more – all on one platform. Sign up for free or download the app.

Subscribe to receive monthly updates on Canada’s major rental markets. Discover last month’s Rent Reports below:

Vancouver Rent Report
Ontario Rent Report
Montreal Rent Report
Calgary and Edmonton Rent Report

The post May 2026 Montreal Rent Report appeared first on liv.rent blog.

• Metro Vancouver rents continue to decline across all unit types
  • Rents across Metro Vancouver have declined compared to last year, with one-bedroom units falling to $2,086 (-8.31%), two-bedroom units to $2,696 (-5.30%), and three-bedroom units to $3,513 (-4.04%). This broad-based drop reflects continued easing in rental demand across the region.
    
• Core and suburban markets show diverging rental trends
  • While the City of Vancouver saw month-over-month declines across all major unit types, some suburban markets showed mixed movement. Surrey two-bedroom rents increased to $2,118 (+1.05%), and New Westminster three-bedroom units rose to $3,349 (+1.98%), highlighting uneven demand across the region.
    
• Larger rental units are seeing the biggest price corrections
  • Three-bedroom units have experienced the most significant adjustments, declining to $3,513 (-2.14%) since the start of the year and dropping as much as -18.96% in Burnaby year over year. This suggests pricing pressure is more pronounced in higher-priced segments of the market.
    

Download liv.rent’s 2026 Canada Rental Market Trends Report for in-depth insights and forecasts on average rent prices, regional market comparisons, key economic drivers, and emerging AI trends shaping Canada’s rental landscape.

As of April 29, 2026, the Bank of Canada maintains its policy interest rate at 2.25%, unchanged for the fourth consecutive decision. Experts predict this rate will be maintained through most of 2026. Additionally, the 2026 rent increase limit is capped at 2.3%.

Let’s look now at the current rental costs and overarching trends in Vancouver for May 2026.

Average rent across Metro Vancouver

This month, the average rent price for an unfurnished, one-bedroom unit went down by $4, to a new average of $2,086/month. Since May 2025, Metro Vancouver’s average rate for an unfurnished one-bedroom unit has decreased by $189.

Planning on raising rent this year? B.C.’s new annual allowable rent increase limit for 2026 is 2.3%. Find out when and how to increase rent and ensure you comply with provincial guidelines by reading our updated Guide to B.C. Rent Increases.

Month-to-month rent change

To better understand how rent prices have changed in Metro Vancouver cities, let’s look at the most significant changes for both furnished and unfurnished one-bedroom units this month.

Several cities saw notable changes in average rent prices this month. Looking at furnished one-bedroom units, Burnaby (5.06%) and Surrey (4.37%) saw slight increases, while New Westminster (-5.10%) and Langley (-2.56%) saw marginal decreases.

Looking now at unfurnished one-bedroom units, West Vancouver (+2.30%) and New Westminster (+1.46%) were the only cities that saw a positive increase.

Looking now at unfurnished one-bedroom units, Burnaby (-0.27%), North Vancouver (-0.23%), Langley (-2.03%), and Surrey (-0.29%) saw minor decreases. West Vancouver (2.30%) and New Westminster (1.46%) all recorded increases.

Rent per square foot

Where’s the cheapest place to rent in Metro Vancouver based on how much space you get? As of May 2026, the average rent per square foot increased up to $3.11/sq. ft.. The least expensive cities for square footage are West Vancouver ($2.40/sq. ft.), Langley ($2.55/sq. ft.), and Richmond ($2.68/sq.ft.). Meanwhile, the most expensive cities for square footage are Vancouver ($3.87/sq. ft.), North Vancouver ($3.69/sq.ft.), and Burnaby ($3.59/sq. ft.).

Active listing data

We’ll also examine detailed statistics for currently active listings available on the market to see which property types and number of bedrooms are the most represented. For renters, these numbers show which types of units you’re most likely to encounter in the Metro Vancouver region, while for landlords, you can assess how much competition you’ll face based on the current supply.

Active listings by property type

As of May 2026, apartments were the most common rental property type, representing 71.60% of active listings on the market. Partial houses were the second-most rented unit type this month, at 16.24% of active listings currently available to rent, followed by houses at 7.87%.

Active listings by number of bedrooms

In terms of the number of bedrooms, we saw a spread across active listings on the market this May. One-bedroom units were the most common type of listing this month at 46.45%, though two-bedroom units held a very near share, representing 43.03% of all active listings on the market. Three-bedrooms rounded out at 10.52% of listings.

Average unfurnished vs. furnished rates

Average prices for a furnished one-bedroom unit increased while unfurnished one-bedroom units dropped in Metro Vancouver this month. Furnished one-bedrooms increased (0.56%) to $2,165/month, while unfurnished units went down (-0.20%) to $2,086/month. Currently, a furnished one-bedroom unit rents for more than an unfurnished one-bedroom unit by $79/month on average.

Looking for our full May 2026 Metro Vancouver Rent Report? Download your copy here to get all the latest insights, including a detailed breakdown by neighbourhood.

City breakdown 

Metro Vancouver’s rental averages vary greatly across the region, so we’ve broken up our data by municipality/city to compare the cost of one-, two-, and three-bedroom rates for furnished and unfurnished units in different areas. Here are some highlights from our most recent findings:

• All unfurnished one-bedroom rental prices decreased across neighbourhoods except West Vancouver and New Westminster.
• Meanwhile, all unfurnished three-bedroom units decreased across neighbourhoods except Surrey, North Vancouver, New Westminster, and Langley.
• All furnished units in Vancouver increased in price, while all unfurnished decreased.

Neighbourhood breakdown

We’ve broken down Vancouver into its neighbourhoods for a more complete look at the city’s rental markets. For a further breakdown of neighbourhoods in municipalities and cities outside of Vancouver, be sure to download our complete Rent Report.

Let’s take a look now at some of the latest averages from Vancouver’s many unique neighbourhoods. West Point Grey/UBC is the city’s most expensive neighbourhood to rent in this month, with an unfurnished one-bedroom unit renting for $2,833/month, while Sunset-Victoria Fraserview is the cheapest at $1,727/month.

We’ve added more new neighbourhoods to our monthly reports that aren’t shown in the data below. To see data on these additional neighbourhoods, statistics for furnished rentals, and neighbourhood breakdowns for other cities in Metro Vancouver, be sure to download your copy of our full report here.

Most expensive cities in Canada

This May, all of the country’s most expensive cities are located in Metro Vancouver. West Vancouver is the most expensive city in the country to rent in, followed by North Vancouver, Vancouver, Burnaby, and Richmond.

Other rental data

These insights are exclusive to our blog and are intended to give more context to each month’s rental data. Based on data sourced directly from liv.rent, these statistics provide a more comprehensive overview of the current rental situation in Canada.

Renter demographics

On liv.rent, our renter demographics are fairly balanced across all different age groups. Most of our users are now fairly evenly spread between those aged 25-34, and those aged between 35-44. There are also a notable number of users under 25 years old.

Pet-friendly rentals

We’re proud to say that liv.rent continues to be the rental platform with the most pet-friendly rentals. This May, other rental platforms had just 22.00% of units available that were pet-friendly, while on liv.rent, 54.00% of all listed units were pet-friendly.

Downloadable resources

Rental resources for B.C. renters

You can read these comprehensive guides for more information on renting in B.C. and using liv.rent to streamline your rental process.

• BC Residential Tenancy Agreement Explained
• Guide to BC Tenancy Forms
• The Complete User Guide To liv.rent For Landlords & Property Managers
• The Ultimate Renter’s Guide To Using liv.rent

Data collection methodology

Rethink The Way You Rent

Not on liv.rent yet? Experience the ease of digital applications & contracts, verified tenants & landlords, virtual tours and more – all on one platform. Sign up for free or download the app.

Subscribe to receive monthly updates on Canada’s major rental markets. Discover last month’s Rent Reports below:

Vancouver Rent Report
Ontario Rent Report
Montreal Rent Report
Calgary and Edmonton Rent Report

The post May 2026 Metro Vancouver Rent Report appeared first on liv.rent blog.

Short-term rentals in Vancouver are legal, but they come with a strict set of rules that affect both property owners and the renters who book them. Over the past two years, the regulatory landscape has shifted considerably. B.C.’s Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act came into force in May 2024, and Vancouver extended its own definition of a short-term rental in October 8, 2024. Together, these changes mean there are now two layers of compliance to understand: city bylaws and provincial legislation. 

Whether you are a homeowner thinking about listing your place on Airbnb, a tenant wondering if you can sublet for a weekend, or a renter searching for a verified place to stay, this guide covers everything you need to know about Vancouver short-term rental rules in 2026. 

What is a short-term rental in Vancouver?

Definition of a short-term rental

In Vancouver, a short-term rental is any entire home or room within a home rented for fewer than 90 consecutive days. That definition changed in October 2024, when the city updated its bylaws to align with B.C.’s provincial legislation. Previously, the threshold was fewer than 30 days. 

The practical effect: rentals between 30 and 89 days now fall under the short-term rental framework and require a city business licence and a provincial registration number, not a long-term rental licence. 

Examples of short-term rentals

Common short-term rentals include entire homes or spare rooms listed on Airbnb or Vrbo, furnished suites rented to travellers for a few nights or a few weeks, and any accommodation arrangement in a host’s principal residence that falls below the 90-day mark. 

Difference between short-term and long-term rentals

The dividing line is 90 days. Rentals of 90 consecutive days or more are considered long-term rentals and are exempt from provincial short-term rental registration requirements entirely, whether the property is a principal residence or not. Long-term rentals are governed instead by B.C.’s Residential Tenancy Act and the protections it provides to tenants.  

Are short-term rentals legal in Vancouver?

Yes. Short-term rentals are legal in Vancouver, provided the host holds a valid city business licence, has a provincial registration number, and operates from their principal residence. As of April 2026, the City of Vancouver counted 4,969 active short-term rental listings, with 3,248 business licences issued for 2026 and 69 licences suspended within the year. 

The city does not tolerate unlicensed operators, and enforcement is active and data-driven. Legal operation requires following both city and provincial rules from the outset. 

Vancouver short-term rental rules [updated in 2025]

To legally operate a short-term rental in Vancouver, hosts must follow rules set under both city bylaws and B.C.’s Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act. Here is what those rules require.    

Principal residence requirement

The most important rule is the principal residence requirement. A host may only operate a short-term rental in the home where they actually live most of the year: the address they use for mail, bills, identification, taxation, and insurance. 

Vacation properties, investment condos, and secondary suites (unless the host lives in the main unit on the same property) are not eligible for short-term rental use. The intent is to keep housing stock in the long-term rental market rather than converting it to tourist accommodation. 

Licensing requirement

To legally operate a short-term rental in Vancouver, hosts need a city business licence. The application fee is $77, and the annual licence fee is $1,108. Only one licence is permitted per person, and licences cannot be issued to companies, societies, or commercial operations. Licences must be renewed each year by December 31, and the number must appear on every listing. 

Listing requirements

Every short-term rental listing on any platform, including liv.rent, Airbnb and Vrbo, must display two numbers: the host’s provincial registration number (issued by the province of B.C.) and the city business licence number. Platforms are required by provincial law to remove listings that do not show valid numbers. 

Every short-term rental listing on any platform, including liv.rent, Airbnb and Vrbo, must display two numbers: the host’s provincial registration number (issued by the province of B.C.) and the city business licence number. Platforms are required by provincial law to remove listings that do not show valid numbers. 

What is not allowed

The following are prohibited under Vancouver’s short-term rental rules: 

• Renting a property that is not the operator’s principal residence 

• Operating without a valid city business licence and provincial registration number 

• Running a commercial short-term rental operation (e.g., renting multiple properties you do not live in) 

• Listing on platforms without displaying valid licence and registration numbers 

Violations can result in municipal fines and provincial administrative penalties.  

Who can operate a short-term rental in Vancouver?

Understanding who qualifies is the first step. For a full walkthrough of the application process, fees, and what to prepare, see our step-by-step guide to getting your Vancouver short-term rental licence.    

Homeowners

Homeowners can operate a short-term rental only in their principal residence. A homeowner cannot list a second property or investment condo on any short-term rental platform, even if the unit is vacant. If the homeowner lives in the main unit of a property that includes a secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit, they may be eligible to rent that secondary unit short-term, subject to provincial rules. 

Tenants

Tenants can apply for a short-term rental licence, but only with written permission from their landlord. Without that written consent, the city will not issue a licence. Tenants should also check their lease carefully, as many standard rental agreements in B.C. prohibit subletting or operating short-term rentals without explicit approval. 

Strata owners

Strata owners face an additional layer of approval. Strata corporations in B.C. can restrict or prohibit short-term rentals entirely through their bylaws and can fine owners up to Strata corporations in B.C. can restrict or prohibit short-term rentals entirely through their bylaws and can fine owners up to $1,000 per contravention per day for violating those bylaws, under Strata Property Regulation 7.1. This means that even if a strata unit qualifies as the owner’s principal residence, the strata council can block short-term rental use. Confirm strata bylaw approval before applying for a city licence. 

Do you need a licence for short-term rentals?

Yes, two separate licences are required. First, a provincial registration number from the B.C. government under the Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act. Second, a Vancouver city business licence. Both must be obtained before accepting any bookings, and both numbers must appear on every listing. 

Platforms are required to remove listings without valid provincial registration numbers and to cancel existing bookings for unregistered properties. Operating without both licences is not a grey area, it is a clear violation with real financial consequences. 

New British Columbia short-term rental laws

B.C.’s Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act came into force May 1, 2024, establishing a province-wide framework that applies to all municipalities with populations of 10,000 or more. The law introduced a provincial registration system, a principal residence requirement, mandatory platform data-sharing, and new enforcement powers.  

Early results are significant. The province reported in early 2025 that one in every 10 short-term rentals in B.C. had returned to the long-term rental market or been listed for sale since the legislation passed. 

Province-wide principal residence rule

Under the provincial law, short-term rentals are limited to the host’s usual place of residence, plus up to one secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit on the same property. Local governments can impose stricter rules but cannot relax this baseline.  

Enforcement changes

The province established a Compliance and Enforcement Unit (CEU) specifically to enforce the Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act. The CEU has the power to conduct investigations, issue compliance orders, and impose administrative monetary penalties. Hosts and platforms must provide records to the CEU on request, or face additional penalties for non-compliance.

Penalties for non-compliance

Penalties are layered across three levels: 

• Provincial (administrative): For hosts, administrative penalties range from $500 to $5,000 per day per infraction, and up to $10,000 per day for corporations (B.C. government news release, April 2024) 

• Regional district (prosecution): Maximum fines increased from $2,000 to $50,000 per infraction (B.C.’s short-term rental legislation, gov.bc.ca) 

• Municipal (Vancouver): Ticketing fines up to $3,000 per infraction per day

What happens if you break short-term rental rules?

Short-term rental violations in Vancouver carry penalties at three levels: 

• Provincial: Individual hosts face administrative penalties up to $5,000 per day per infraction; corporations up to $10,000 per day 

• Regional district: Prosecution fines up to $50,000 per infraction 

• Municipal: Vancouver ticketing fines up to $3,000 per infraction per day 

Platforms are legally required to share data with local governments and remove listings without a valid provincial registration number. Beyond fines, persistent violators risk licence suspension, court referral, and permanent exclusion from Vancouver’s short-term rental market. 

Can landlords still profit from short-term rentals?

Yes, though figures vary depending on how revenue is measured. According to AirROI’s 2026 dataset (April 2025 to March 2026), the average Vancouver short-term rental earned approximately $32,387 per year, at a nightly rate of $215 and an occupancy rate of 54.8%. This reflects the mean across all active listings, including lower-performing properties. 

Compliance has a real upfront cost: the $1,108 annual licence fee, provincial registration, and safety requirements all reduce net margins. Hosts who build these costs into their pricing from the start are better positioned for sustained profitability. 

Is an extended stay a better option than short-term renting?

For property owners who want to generate rental income without navigating Vancouver’s short-term rental framework, extended stays may be worth considering. Rentals with minimum stays of 90 consecutive days or more are exempt from B.C.’s Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act, the provincial registration requirement, and the principal residence rule. This exemption applies to both principal and non-principal residences across the province. 

Extended stays do fall under the Residential Tenancy Act, which means tenants have full statutory protections, including rent increase caps (2.3% in 2026), notice requirements, and the right to dispute resolution through the Residential Tenancy Branch. Landlords considering this route should review B.C.’s tenancy rules carefully. 

For renters, extended stays can offer more stability and greater legal protections than a short-term booking. You can find mid-term and long-term Vancouver rentals on liv.rent. 

How liv.rent helps landlords stay compliant

Navigating short-term rental rules is one thing. Finding a verified, long-term tenant who gives you stable, predictable income without the licensing and enforcement risk is another. For landlords weighing their options in Vancouver’s rental market, liv.rent offers a platform built around trust from the start. 

Every landlord listing on liv.rent goes through ID verification before their listings go live. Tenants can submit digital applications, sign leases, and pay rent through a single platform, reducing the paperwork burden and creating a clear record of the tenancy. For landlords managing multiple units, liv.rent’s Growth and Business plans include tenant screening reports powered by Equifax, automated rent collection, and shared management tools. 

Whether you are stepping back from short-term rentals in favour of the long-term market, or managing a compliant short-term rental alongside a longer portfolio, you can browse and post Vancouver rental listings on liv.rent. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

The post Vancouver short-term rental rules explained [2026] appeared first on liv.rent blog.

The FIFA World Cup is coming to Canada, and the rental conversation has been dominated by one narrative: Airbnb is the opportunity. But this overlooks a larger, more stable market. Canada will host 13 FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, all in Toronto and Vancouver, between June 11 and July 19, 2026. 

While short-term tourist rentals will see demand, the professional market represents a different opportunity entirely. Media crews arriving weeks early, FIFA officials stationed for the tournament’s duration, corporate sponsor staff, volunteers, and families of players need housing for weeks or months. This extended-stay market is where liv.rent serves needs that Airbnb isn’t built to handle. 

For renters staying one month or longer, the question is cost, stability, and legal protection. For landlords, it’s understanding which market to serve and which platform fits that strategy. 

The biggest misconception about FIFA rentals: “Airbnb is the main opportunity”

When major events arrive, the assumption is that short-term tourist rentals dominate. But FIFA 2026 spans over a month with 48 countries competing across 104 matches in 16 cities. In Canada, all 13 matches concentrate in just two cities: Toronto and Vancouver. 

This creates two distinct rental markets. Tourists booking three to five nights for specific matches represent one segment. But media organizations, team delegations, corporate sponsors, and long-term visitors represent another, often larger segment. Media crews arrive two to three weeks before the tournament for setup. FIFA officials and team staff include 50 to 70 people per national team. Volunteers commit to four to eight week programs. 

This professional market doesn’t browse Airbnb for nightly bookings. They need furnished monthly rentals with standard lease protections and predictable pricing. liv.rent is built for exactly this rental arrangement. 

Why FIFA 2026 will disrupt rental markets in Vancouver and Toronto

FIFA World Cup 2026 will bring 48 countries and 104 matches across 16 cities, with Canada hosting 13 matches in Toronto and Vancouver. According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) 2025 Rental Market Report, the purpose-built apartment vacancy rate reached 3.7% in Vancouver and 3.0% in Toronto in 2025. These numbers reflect markets that have eased from extreme lows but remain tight. 

Two rental markets will emerge during FIFA 2026

Short-term stays

Short-term stays under 28 days will see tourists attending specific matches, fans traveling for a week or two, and casual visitors driving Airbnb demand. This market faces strict regulatory requirements including registration, inspections, night caps, and taxes. 

Extended stays (1+ months)

Extended stays of one month or longer will see media crews, FIFA officials, corporate staff, volunteers, and families driving demand for monthly furnished rentals. This market benefits from regulatory exemptions: rentals over 28 days in Toronto or 90 days in Vancouver avoid short-term rental rules entirely and operate under standard tenancy law.

Airbnb vs. liv.rent: Core differences for FIFA 2026

Airbnb serves tourists with nightly bookings, dynamic pricing, and event-driven rate spikes. liv.rent serves professionals with monthly leases, stable pricing, and standard tenancy protections. The regulatory distinction matters significantly. 

Airbnb: Short-term, demand-driven pricing

Airbnb is optimized for short stays with tools designed to maximize revenue during high-demand periods. For landlords, this means potential for higher gross revenue during peak match dates but also compliance with short-term rental regulations, high operational costs, and vacancy risk between bookings. For renters, Airbnb offers flexibility to book exactly the nights needed but exposes them to extreme price volatility and no lease protections. 

liv.rent: Long-term stability with flexible leasing

liv.rent provides standard lease agreements, tenant screening, digital contracts, and rent collection tools designed for landlord-tenant relationships. For landlords, this means predictable monthly income, lower operational overhead, and regulatory exemptions if the rental meets thresholds. For renters, liv.rent offers stable monthly pricing, standard tenant protections under provincial law, and lower total costs for stays of one month or longer. 

Risk factor: Airbnb vs. liv.rent

Airbnb risks include regulatory violations, high vacancy between bookings, platform dependency, and post-FIFA strategy uncertainty. liv.rent risks include lower gross revenue potential compared to peak Airbnb rates and commitment to one tenant for the lease duration. For extended stays of one month or longer, liv.rent’s risk profile is significantly lower for both parties. 

For renters: Cost, stability, and risk during FIFA 2026

Renters face critical decisions about booking timing, platform choice, and budget planning for FIFA 2026. 

Rent and other cost comparison: Airbnb vs. liv.rent

Airbnb: 

Nightly pricing spikes significantly during major events based on historical FIFA tournament patterns. Service fees, cleaning fees, and platform charges compound over multi-night stays, making extended bookings expensive. Airbnb offers no tenant protections or standard lease agreements, and price volatility makes budgeting difficult for stays longer than a few days. Hosts can cancel bookings without recourse for renters, creating uncertainty for those who need guaranteed housing during the tournament. 

liv.rent: 

Monthly pricing is based on standard rental market rates. According to CMHC’s 2025 Rental Market Report, average two-bedroom rents in Vancouver were $2,363 for purpose-built units, with condominium apartments averaging $2,900. Furnished units command premiums above these baseline rates. liv.rent provides standard lease protections under provincial tenancy law with predictable pricing and no daily fluctuations. For stays of one month or longer, monthly lease structures typically represent significant cost savings compared to equivalent Airbnb bookings while providing legal protections that nightly rentals cannot offer. 

Housing stability

Airbnb renters have no guaranteed occupancy, no tenant protections, and risk displacement if hosts pivot strategy. liv.rent renters receive standard residential lease agreements with tenant protections under British Columbia’s Residential Tenancy Act or Ontario’s landlord-tenant law, fixed-term lease security, and legal recourse if landlords violate terms. 

Availability challenges

Both platforms face inventory constraints during FIFA 2026, and timing is everything. Airbnb sees high competition during peak match dates, with booking windows filling months in advance and last-minute availability largely gone. liv.rent serves corporate and extended stay renters who book early and with intent, meaning the platform attracts serious renters rather than last-minute browsers. For visitors who plan ahead, liv.rent’s verified furnished rentals offer a more reliable path to securing accommodation before the tournament demand peaks. 

Should I book early or wait for deals?

For both platforms, booking early is recommended. Airbnb pricing during major events rises steadily as match dates approach with last-minute deals being rare. Monthly rental pricing is more stable but inventory is limited as corporate renters book six to twelve months in advance. 

Vancouver vs. Toronto: Real rental market differences during FIFA for landlords

Landlords in Vancouver and Toronto operate under fundamentally different regulatory frameworks that shape FIFA 2026 strategies. 

Vancouver: Constrained supply and strict short-term rules

British Columbia’s short-term rental legislation limits short-term rentals under 90 days to principal residence plus one secondary suite. Provincial registration is required with platform registration numbers displayed on listings. Rentals of 90 days or longer are exempt from the Short-Term Rental Accommodation Act entirely, meaning no provincial registration, no principal residence restriction, and standard Residential Tenancy Act provisions apply instead. 

Toronto: Larger supply but higher demand absorption

Toronto’s municipal short-term rental rules limit short-term rentals under 28 consecutive days to principal residence only with entire-unit rentals capped at 180 nights per year. City registration and annual compliance inspections are required. The Municipal Accommodation Tax of 8.5% applies from June 1, 2025 to July 31, 2026. 

Rentals of 28 days or longer are not classified as short-term rentals, meaning no City registration, no 180-night cap, no Municipal Accommodation Tax, and no compliance inspections are required. 

Short-term rental pressure comparison

Vancouver has higher regulatory barriers with a 90-day threshold and principal residence requirements, creating a smaller short-term rental market. Toronto has a lower 28-day threshold making extended stays more accessible, though the 180-night cap creates strategic decisions for landlords. 

What this means for renters

In Vancouver, renters staying three months or longer access supply from landlords avoiding short-term rental regulations. In Toronto, renters staying 28 days or longer access a larger inventory pool due to the lower threshold. In both cities, committing to these minimum stays provides access to a less competitive, more stable rental market. 

What this means for landlords and property managers

FIFA 2026 presents strategic choices between short-term Airbnb revenue and extended-stay stability through liv.rent. 

Opportunities for property owners

Book early (prices will rise), focus on walkable or SkyTrain-connected areas, and secure flexible cancellation options.

Option 1: Short-term rentals (limited case)

Short-term Airbnb rentals may make sense for landlords who already have approved registrations, meet principal residence requirements, can manage nightly turnover operations, and are comfortable with regulatory compliance obligations. 

Option 2: Extended stays (primary strategy)

Extended-stay rentals through liv.rent represent the safer, lower-friction strategy for most landlords. This approach avoids short-term rental registration and compliance, provides predictable income, requires lower operational overhead, and works for landlords who don’t meet principal residence requirements. 

Airbnb: High revenue potential with higher risk

Airbnb offers potential for higher gross revenue during peak periods but requires mandatory registration, compliance with principal residence restrictions, management of turnover costs, and carries regulatory violation risk with potential fines and delisting. 

liv.rent: Stable income with less volatility

liv.rent provides regulatory exemption if rentals meet thresholds, requires no registration or inspections, imposes no principal residence restrictions for extended stays, offers predictable monthly income, and serves the under-supplied professional market with clear post-FIFA transition plans. 

Cost comparison for landlords: Airbnb vs. liv.rent

Understanding true net income requires accounting for all costs, taxes, and operational overhead beyond gross revenue. 

Vancouver & Toronto pricing dynamics

According to CMHC’s 2025 Rental Market Report, Vancouver’s average two-bedroom purpose-built rent was $2,363 with condominium apartments averaging $2,900. Toronto shows similar baseline patterns. Furnished units during FIFA command premiums above these rates. 

Real net income comparison

Airbnb gross revenue must account for platform fees, the 8.5% Municipal Accommodation Tax in Toronto, cleaning costs between guests, registration and compliance expenses, vacancy gaps, and management time. liv.rent pricing  includes minimal platform fees with the free Essentials plan or paid Growth and Business tiers, one-time turnover costs, and zero registration or tax obligations for rentals meeting thresholds. The net income gap between platforms is often smaller than gross revenue comparisons suggest. 

Some important considerations for landlords during FIFA in Vancouver and Toronto

Key considerations for landlords during FIFA

liv.rent relevance for landlords

liv.rent provides landlords with free unlimited listings on the Essentials plan, paid Growth and Business plans including Equifax-powered screening and lease protection addendums, digital lease agreements compliant with provincial law, and rent collection tools. The platform positions landlords to serve the extended-stay FIFA market through standard residential leasing workflows. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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