If you’re thinking about listing your property, even just for a weekend, you might ask: “What’s the shortest time you can rent for in Ontario?” Whether you’re new to the rental space or already renting out part of your home, understanding short-term rental (STR) minimums is essential. This post explains Ontario’s rules around short stays, so you can avoid fines and make the most of your property.
✅ For a full overview of Ontario’s rental laws, check out our guide: Ontario’s Short-Term Rental Rules: Your Complete Guide.
How Short Is Too Short?
In most parts of Ontario, including Toronto, you can rent a space for as little as one night, as long as it meets short-term rental (STR) requirements. These vary slightly by municipality, but the general definition is any rental that’s 28 consecutive days or less.
In Toronto, for example:
- You can rent for 1 night up to 28 nights
- You must live in the property as your principal residence
- The rental must be registered with the City
- You’re limited to 180 nights per year for entire-home rentals
For anything longer than 28 days, different tenancy rules apply under Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act.
Why the 28-Day Cutoff Matters
Here’s why understanding the minimum and maximum STR length is important:
- Legal Compliance: Failing to follow STR rules can lead to fines or license suspension
- Clear Tenant Expectations: Short-term renters have different rights than long-term tenants
- Lease Requirements: If a stay goes beyond 28 days, Ontario’s standard lease becomes mandatory
📌 If you are considering a long-term rental too? Check out: “How Many Spare Keys Should I Have? Expert Advice” to make sure your tenants always have proper access.
Renting a Condo or Apartment?
If your unit is part of a condo, co-op, or managed building, you’ll need to check with your board or landlord. Many Ontario buildings do not allow short-term rentals, even if the city does. Violating building rules could lead to eviction or legal action.
If your tenant will need key fob or garage access, consider having a spare key fob or remote copied. We offer quick duplication services with a lifetime guarantee, helping you stay ready for any lost or damaged access devices.
Related Questions You Might Have
If you’re just starting out in the rentals world, here are a few more resources from our blog:
🔎 Is My Property Suitable for STR? Here’s How to Find Out — Ideal if you’re not sure your home qualifies
💻 What Is the Best Short-Term Rental Site? — For beginners looking to list on Airbnb, Vrbo, or others
🏡 Ontario’s Short-Term Rental Rules: Your Complete Guide — For an overview of what’s legal across Ontario cities
Each of these articles answers a different question — helping you stay informed without repeating the same content.
Final Thoughts: What is the shortest time you can rent for in Ontario?
So, what is the shortest time you can rent for in Ontario? Legally, as short as one night — if you follow the rules. That means understanding city guidelines, registering your rental if required, and knowing when the stay crosses into long-term territory.
Whether you’re hosting guests for a weekend or planning to scale your rental business, staying informed is your best protection.
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