Back in February, the Town of Drumheller created some new regulations for short-term rentals. 

These new regulations have made it so that all Airbnb, VRBO, or similar hosts must apply for a business license to operate their short-term rental. 

The Town of Drumheller defines “short-term rental” as “any dwelling, such as a house, room, or secondary suite, that is rented out for a period of 28 days or less.” 

By regulating short-term rentals, council hopes to achieve the following benefits: 

  • Enhanced safety 
  • Promotion of fair competition 
  • Protecting neighborhoods 

Another key change in short-term rentals in Drumheller Valley includes the distinction between principal, non-principal, and non-resident short-term rentals. 

According to the Town of Drumheller, “a principal residence is where you live the majority of the year and receive your mail. If you live in town but do not live in the home you are renting, you will be classified as a non-principal residence. If you live outside of the jurisdiction and rent out a short-term rental in town, you will be classified as a non-resident.” 

License fees range from: 

  • Principal residence: $245 for someone operating a short-term rental in the same home or on the same property where they live for most of the year. 
  • Non-principal residence: $810 for someone who lives in the town but does not live in the short-term rental or on the property they are operating for the majority of the year. 
  • Non-resident: $1,010 for someone who does not live in Drumheller but is operating a short-term rental within the jurisdiction. 

Other changes include hosts now needing valid insurance and implementing a maximum number of guests based on the number of bedrooms in the short-term rental. 

Failure to comply with new regulations can result in penalties of up to $1000. 

For more information about the changes made to short-term rentals, visit the Town of Drumheller website. 

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