As part of a broader response to the housing crisis, the City of Montreal has adopted new regulations limiting short-term tourist rentals—measures that are expected to have direct implications for dense and diverse neighbourhoods like Parc-Extension.
Under the new rules, residents may only rent out their principal homes on platforms such as Airbnb, Vrbo, or Facebook Marketplace between June 10 and September 10. Even during this restricted window, a municipal permit is mandatory. Without it, hosts risk facing fines and removal from listing platforms.
While the regulations apply city-wide, their effects may be felt more acutely in areas like Parc-Extension, where rental housing is in high demand and affordability remains a critical issue. The City argues that the policy is intended to reduce pressure on the long-term housing market by curbing the transformation of residential units into unofficial hotels.
City officials claim that such conversions have made it harder for local families—many of whom are new immigrants or working-class residents in Parc-Extension—to find stable, affordable housing. By tightening enforcement on short-term rentals, the City hopes to free up more units for long-term tenants.
Still, the new rules may also limit options for residents hoping to host visiting family members or earn supplemental income during peak tourist season. Many households in Parc-Extension rely on multigenerational support, and the inability to legally rent a basement or spare room outside the permitted summer window may present a financial or logistical burden.
Alternatives do exist. While short-term home rentals are restricted, other accommodation options remain available throughout Montreal. These include hotels, hostels, bed-and-breakfasts, and authorized rentals in designated commercial zones. For families in Parc-Extension, that could mean encouraging visitors to book lodgings in nearby districts with more flexible zoning—though this may come at a higher cost or distance from their loved ones.
The City insists the regulation strikes a balance between protecting Montreal’s residential character and sustaining its appeal as a tourist destination. But for many residents in Parc-Extension—one of the most densely populated neighbourhoods in the country—the challenge will be navigating these new rules while trying to meet both housing and family needs.
Whether the policy succeeds in reducing housing strain without disproportionately affecting low-income or immigrant communities remains to be seen. In the meantime, residents are advised to verify the legal status of any rental before booking for guests or listing a unit online.
Montreal joins a growing number of cities worldwide trying to reconcile tourism growth with housing accessibility. In a place like Parc-Extension, where community life often revolves around family, affordability, and proximity, the stakes are particularly high.
