Anyone has fight the penalty ticket?

[Kathryn789]

Sadly I got  penalized on all my listings .the government issued the tickets for the property owner.and co host for each listings. Any host here has experienced on the courts? Or any recommendations for the lawyers?

[Rebecca]

Hello @Kathryn789 👋

I’m really sorry to hear about the penalty you’re facing. If you could share a bit more information about it, that would be great! Understanding the context can help our hosts offer their support to you.  

Are you also a part of a Local Host Club? There may be some hosts in the area who have faced similar penalties or situations such as yours. 

I look forward to hearing from you! 🙂

[Joan2709]

@Kathryn789 

Lots of short term rental regulations and restrictions in Montreal. Looks like the government is cracking down heavily on illegally operated short term rentals. As @Rebecca mentions, if you can give us more details about what the fines/penalties are for, then maybe another Montreal Host can offer suggestions.

It appears the city is cracking down on illegally operated short term rentals. Here is what a quick internet search shows:

Montreal, Quebec has strict regulations for short-term rentals, including: 

• Permits: To rent out a property for 31 days or less, you need a classification certificate from the Corporation de l'Industrie Touristique du Québec (CITQ). 
• Zoning: Properties must be located in an area zoned for short-term rentals. Zoning varies by borough. 
• Advertising: You must include your establishment number in any advertisement for your property. 
• Permits on display: You must publicly display your permit outside your property. 
• Permit renewal: You must renew your permit annually. 
• Fines: There are fines for violating the regulations, and fines increase for repeated offenses. 
• Short-term rentals at primary residences: You can only rent out your primary residence between June 10 and September 10, with some exceptions. 

Other regulations include: 

• You must provide a notice of compliance signed by the municipality. 
• The dwelling must be the principal residence of the person renting it. 
• The dwelling can be rented to only one person or one group of people at a time. 
• The offer must not include meals served on site. 

The city has increased the number of inspectors to enforce the regulations. 

[Helen3]

Are you letting out a property without complying with local STR regulations @Kathryn789 ? 

If so, the best thing you can do is to stop accepting bookings/stop your listing from being live so you don't attract more fines /possible legal action. 

as an experienced cohost I am sure you know your local STR legislation better than me - in what way have they said you aren't complying with local STR regulations? Do you feel they are incorrect and you have appropriate licenses /operating within their restrictions?