UPDATED on November 19, 2019 after the LPAT ruling.
In a city full of condos, you may be surprised to know that there are only a handful of AirBnB friendly condos in Toronto that allow short-term rentals. Albeit, there are many condo owners and renters that choose to ignore the short-term rental policy their condo building may have in place, but that’s a conversation for another day.
QUICK RECAP OF TORONTO SHORT TERM RENTAL REGULATIONS
Short-term rental platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo have grown in popularity over the last decade and popular cities like Toronto are trying to go with the flow and put some regulations in place for the city as a whole. Even if your building is AirBnB friendly condo in Toronto you’ll still have to abide by these overarching city rules.
As of November 2019, Toronto has now officially implemented short-term regulations as follows:
• A short-term rental is considered anything fewer than 28 days.
• Eligible short-term rental properties must be owned by the host and it must be their principal residence.
• Hosts can rent up to three rooms or their entire home.
• Secondary suites, such as in-law or basement units, are eligible for short-term rental as long as they are the host’s principal residence.
• Hosts can only rent their property for a maximum of 180 days of the year.
• Hosts would have to pay an annual $50 fee and register with the city.
• Hosts will have to pay a 4% Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) on rentals fewer than 28 days.
• Short-term agencies, like Airbnb, pay a one-time licence fee of $5,000 and $1 per night that’s booked
Read the Toronto short-term rental regulations here on the City of Toronto website here.
LIST OF AIRBNB FRIENDLY TORONTO CONDOS THAT ALLOW SHORT-TERM RENTALS
The biggest concentration of short-term rentals Toronto has are all within the same area: The Entertainment District. These condo buildings allow condo owners to use their principal residences as short-term rentals and their buildings allow AirBnB because this is a high-traffic tourist area with countless attractions in and around this part of the city.
Below is the list of condos that allow short-term rentals and are AirBnB friendly.
AQUARIUS AT WATERPARK CITY
Located at 219 Fort York Blvd, Aquarius at Waterpark City has 490 condos and stands 38-storeys tall. This condo is nestled between the luscious green of Fort York National Historic Site and Coronation Park along the waterfront. Renters will love the amenities that include a pool, sauna, and rooftop terrace to name a few.
NEPTUNE I & NEPTUNE II
Located at 209 and 215 Fort York Blvd you’ll find Neptune I and Neptune II condos. Featuring 861 condo units between them and each comes with a balcony. Neighbour to Aquarius at Waterpark City, these condos also enjoy views of Fort York National Historic Site. Inside, amenities include a pool, sauna, rooftop terrace, party room and media room.
Neptune Condos is definitely an AirBnB friendly Toronto Condo it is one of the first condos in Canada to be part of Airbnb’s Friendly Building’s Program. As part of the program, owners renting out their entire unit must pay $50 per month to the building for general upkeep but not those renting out just a room in their unit. Both security and the condo board have access to current rental activity, so they know who is hosting, who and how many guests are staying, and how much money is being being earned — 5% of which is given to the condo board from Airbnb.
LOCAL AT FORT YORK
The Local at Fort York is a 15-storey condo with 7-storey podium located at 50 Bruyeres Mews. Featuring 249 condos that seamlessly blend modern finishes with the historic appeal of Fort York. Amenities at Local include rooftop terrace with BBQs, sauna and party room.
QUARTZ CONDOS
Standing at 41-storeys tall at 75 Queens Wharf Blvd, Quartz Condos has an array of amenities to keep you entertained. From billiards to basketball, a fitness centre and pool. A short walk to the waterfront and the Entertainment District.
SPECTRA CONDOS
Neighbour to Quartz Condos is Spectra at 85 Queens Wharf Boulevard. Standing at 39-storeys with views of the lake, the CN Tower and tons of green space. Spectra and Quartz Condos share amenities that are referred to as the Prism Club and have more than your traditional condo with pool and hot tubs, basketball courts, yoga studios, and stunning rooftop terrace to name a few.
MAPLE LEAF CONDOS
Rising above the Scotiabank Arena are Maple Leaf Condos at 55 and 65 Bremner Boulevard. For those who want to be in on the action, this place is for you. Get to the Scotiabank Arena for a Raptors or Leafs game without even going outside. The Rogers Centre is also just a stone’s throw away. The only downfall is short-term rental guests don’t have access to the building amenities. It’s also important that guests sign in at the front desk.
STUDIO ON RICHMOND
Located in the heart of the Downtown Core at 199 Richmond Street West is Studio on Richmond Condos. This 31-storey condo has some condos that are over 3,200 square feet. Located around the corner from the shops and restaurants of Queen West and the entertainment of the Entertainment District, there’s no better location for those seeking short-term rentals.
QWEST CONDOS
Qwest Condos at 168 Simcoe Street is just down the street from Studio on Richmond. While they have been known to allow condo owners to rent their condos on short-term rental platforms they’re less clear on their rules. Word of advice would be to confirm with management ahead of renting out your condo on Airbnb or otherwise.
THE VERVE CONDOS
The Verve Condos is the only one on the list that’s not in the downtown core. Located at 120 Homewood Avenue adjacent to charming Corktown, shops on Bloor, and even Yonge-Dundas Square. The view from the Verve’s rooftop pool are breathtaking — 40-storeys up with cabanas and a hot tub too.
HARBOUR VIEW ESTATES II
Located at the corner of Spadina Avenue and Bremner Boulevard is Harbour View Estates II. This 49-storey condo is on the corner of the Entertainment District. A popular choice for short-term rentals with its proximity to all things Toronto: the Rogers Centre, Scotiabank Arena, the Rec Room, CN Tower, and Ripleys Aquarium to name a few. Easily get around on transit or by foot.
PARADE I & PARADE II
The Parade Condos are iconic with iconic Skybridge that connect the 39 and 43 storey towers. Located at 15 and 21 Iceboat Terrace, these tall towers are easily identifiable along Toronto’s skyline. The Party Zone is equipped with free WIFI, they have a games room, theatre, squash courts, gym, pool and even mani-pedi rooms. It’s the perfect “hotel alternative” and condos for sale at Parade I & II are more affordable than some other Toronto condos.
If you’re interested in buying a condo that permits short-term rentals, be sure to keep your eye on the ruling of Toronto short-term rental regulations this summer. Be kind to your neighbours and do your research. While short-term rentals in these building in the Entertainment District will surely be easy to rent, Toronto’s rental market in general is also very competitive and rents are at an all time high.
If you need help crunching the numbers and want to know the best way to use your condo investment in Toronto’s market, book a call to discuss.
