Montreal's new short-term rental ban aims to curb housing crunch, boost enforcement power

Montreal is enforcing stricter regulations on short-term rentals, requiring operators to register with the Quebec government and adhere to local zoning laws. The move aims to address housing scarcity and issues related to illegal sublets. New rules include limiting rentals to designated tourist areas and obliging platforms like Airbnb to delist non-compliant properties. Fines for violations have increased, and city officials are focused on balancing tourism with residents' needs. Some landlords and short-term rental operators express concerns over the impact on income and economic opportunities, while others see it as a necessary step to curb housing shortages.