If you’re planning a stay in Toronto, one of the first questions you’ll have is: Where can I find a short-term rental? With the city’s mix of neighborhoods, attractions, and businesses, short-term rentals (STRs) are a popular choice for both visitors and locals needing temporary housing. However, it’s important to know where to look, what rules apply, and how to find the right fit.
The Basics of Short-Term Rentals in Toronto
In Toronto, a short-term rental is defined as renting out a home or unit for less than 28 consecutive days. STRs are regulated by the City of Toronto, which means hosts must:
- Only rent out their principal residence (the place they live most of the time).
- Register their rental with the City.
- Collect and remit the 6% Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT).
For guests, this means most rentals you find are fully legal and comply with city rules.
Where to Look for Short-Term Rentals
Here are the main platforms and options where you can find STRs in Toronto:
- Airbnb – The most popular STR platform worldwide, Airbnb offers everything from downtown condos to cozy neighborhood homes. You can filter by budget, location, and amenities.
- Vrbo – Ideal for families or groups, Vrbo often lists larger properties such as entire homes, cottages, or multi-bedroom units.
- Booking.com – While best known for hotels, Booking.com also features licensed STRs in Toronto.
- Local Property Management Companies – Some companies specialize in managing STR units and may list directly on their own websites.
- Classifieds & Community Boards – While less common today, sites like Kijiji or Facebook Marketplace sometimes have STR listings. Always double-check that these comply with city rules.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Booking
Location: Downtown Toronto is popular for proximity to the CN Tower, Rogers Centre, and Union Station, but neighborhoods like Leslieville, The Annex, or Liberty Village may offer quieter stays.
Budget: Prices fluctuate depending on season, events, and location. Expect higher rates during summer and big events like TIFF.
Building Policies: Some condos have strict rules about STRs, so ensure your rental is properly registered to avoid last-minute cancellations.
For Hosts: Make Your Life Easier with Spare Keys and Fobs
If you’re a host running a short-term rental in Toronto, you’ll quickly realize how important access is. Guests arriving late, cleaners coming mid-stay, or co-hosts managing check-ins — all require reliable access. This is where extra keys, garage remotes, and fob copies become helpful.
At MiniFob, we help Toronto STR hosts with quick and reliable duplication services for keys, fobs and garage door openers. With a spare set, you can avoid the stress of lockouts, manage guest turnover more easily, and keep your property running without access-related headaches.
Final Thoughts: Where to Find Short-Term Rentals in Toronto
Finding a short-term rental in Toronto is easier than ever with platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. Whether you’re a traveler or a host, knowing the rules and preparing properly can make the experience much easier.
If you’re a guest, book through trusted platforms. If you’re a host, don’t forget the practical details like spare keys and fobs — they might be the difference between a smooth rental and a stressful one.
For more helpful related articles, check out:
- Ontario’s Short-Term Rental Rules: Your Complete Guide
- Is My Property Suitable for STR?
- What Is the Best Short-Term Rental Site?
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