Is Short-Term Rental Restricted in Moncton? Local Enforcement Update
Yes, Moncton strictly restricts short-term rentals (STRs) to primary residences only under By-law Z-23-157. All operators must hold a valid City license; non-primary-residence STRs are banned. Fines start at CAD 500, and enforcement has intensified since September 2023. Below is everything you need to know — from costs and zones to real cases and step-by-step compliance.
1. Real Cost of STR Compliance
Operating a legal short-term rental in Moncton involves several upfront and ongoing costs. Below is a comprehensive breakdown based on the City’s 2024 fee schedule (By-law Z-23-157, Schedule A).
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial license application | $250 | Non-refundable, paid at submission |
| Annual renewal | $150 | Due each year before expiry date |
| Late renewal surcharge | $50 | Applied if renewal is more than 14 days past due |
| Fire inspection (if required) | $100–$200 | Depends on unit count and layout |
| Property compliance report | $75–$150 | May be needed for multi-unit premises |
| First-year total (typical) | $425–$600 | License + inspection + compliance |
Additional ongoing costs include liability insurance (recommended minimum CAD 2 million), annual smoke alarm and CO detector certifications, and potential HST/GST obligations if your STR generates more than CAD 30,000 in gross revenue. Source: Moncton.ca – Short-Term Rentals.
2. Best Areas for STR in Moncton
Under Moncton’s regulations, STRs are only permitted in primary residences. This means you cannot buy a property solely for STR use unless you live there. Within that constraint, these areas have the highest concentration of compliant, successful STRs:
- Downtown (Main Street corridor): High walkability, near restaurants, and the Avenir Centre. Most STRs here are owner-occupied apartments or condos.
- Mountain Road area: Affordable housing stock, good transit access, and proximity to Magnetic Hill. Many owner-occupied duplexes operate STRs in one unit.
- Champlain Street district: Close to Champlain Place mall and Dieppe border. Popular for travelling professionals.
- Wheeler Boulevard / North End: Newer subdivisions with basement suites that qualify as primary-residence STRs.
| Neighbourhood | Typical nightly rate (CAD) | Occupancy (2024 est.) | License success rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown (Main St) | $120–$180 | 72% | 94% |
| Mountain Road | $90–$140 | 65% | 89% |
| Champlain Street | $100–$155 | 68% | 91% |
| Wheeler Blvd / North | $85–$130 | 60% | 86% |
Data based on City of Moncton STR registry (2024 Q2) and internal market analysis. Source: Moncton STR Registry Report Q2 2024.
3. Step-by-Step Licensing Process
Follow these 6 steps to obtain your Moncton STR license. The process is managed entirely by the Building & By-law Services division.
- Confirm eligibility: The property must be your primary residence (you live there at least 183 days per year). Proof of residency (driver’s licence, tax assessment) is required.
- Prepare documents: Gather proof of ownership, floor plan, smoke/CO detector compliance certificate, liability insurance binder (min. CAD 2M), and a site plan showing parking and exits.
- Submit application: Apply in person at City Hall (655 Main Street) or via the online portal. Pay the CAD 250 non-refundable fee.
- Inspections: A fire safety inspector may visit within 10 business days. If the property passes, you receive a compliance letter.
- License issued: Once all checks are cleared, the City issues a STR License Certificate. You must display it inside the unit and include the license number in all listings.
- Renew annually: Renewals open 60 days before expiry. Late renewals incur a CAD 50 fee and may trigger a re-inspection.
Detailed forms: STR Application Form (PDF).
4. Where to Go: Agencies & Office Address
All STR licensing, inspection, and enforcement matters are handled by one primary office. Below are the key contacts.
| Agency / Division | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building & By-law Services (Main desk) | 655 Main Street, Moncton, NB E1C 1E8 | 506-877-6300 | Mon–Fri 8:30–16:30 |
| Fire Prevention Division (inspections) | Same address — 2nd Floor | 506-877-6340 | Mon–Fri 8:30–16:00 |
| Revenue & Licensing (payments) | Same address — Ground Floor | 506-877-6310 | Mon–Fri 8:30–16:30 |
| Online submission portal | moncton.ca/str | — | 24/7 |
Office address for in-person submissions: 655 Main Street, Moncton, NB E1C 1E8 (City Hall, Ground Floor, Licensing Counter). Parking available at the City Hall lot (entrance on Alma Street). Source: Moncton.ca – Contact Us.
5. Safety, Legal Risks & Enforcement
Operating an unlicensed or non-compliant STR in Moncton carries significant legal and safety risks. The City has ramped up enforcement since the 2023 by-law came into effect.
⚖️ Legal Risks
- Cease-and-desist orders: The City can order immediate cessation of operations. Non-compliance is treated as a continuing offence.
- License suspension/revocation: A second violation within 12 months can result in a 6-month suspension. A third violation leads to permanent revocation.
- Personal liability: Hosts are liable for guest safety. Failure to meet fire and building codes can result in civil lawsuits.
🛡️ Safety Requirements
- Working smoke alarms on every level and in each sleeping room.
- Carbon monoxide detectors within 5 metres of any fuel-burning appliance.
- Clear, unobstructed egress paths (minimum 0.9 m wide).
- Fire extinguisher (2A:10B:C rating) within 15 metres of all guest areas.
- Annual inspection by Moncton Fire Prevention (fee applies).
Source: Moncton STR Enforcement Report 2024.
6. Time Efficiency & Waiting Periods
How long does each step of the STR licensing process actually take? Below are real average timelines based on 2024 processing data.
| Step | Average duration | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application review & completeness check | 5 business days | 3–8 days | Incomplete apps are held pending |
| Fire inspection scheduling | 10 business days | 5–18 days | Demand varies seasonally |
| Inspection itself | 30 minutes | 20–60 min | Depends on unit count |
| Compliance letter & license issuance | 5 business days after pass | 3–10 days | Digital license sent by email |
| Total (typical successful application) | 20 business days | 15–40 days | ~1 calendar month average |
| Rush / priority (not officially available) | N/A | N/A | No priority lane exists |
Waiting time for renewals: Online renewals take 3–5 business days. Paper renewals take 8–12 business days. Late renewals (>14 days past expiry) require a re-inspection, adding 10–15 business days.
Source: Moncton STR Processing Times Q2 2024.
7. Vacancy Rate in Moncton’s Rental Market
Moncton’s rental vacancy rate is a key driver of the STR restrictions. According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) 2024 Rental Market Report, the vacancy rate for purpose-built rental apartments in Moncton stands at 2.1% — well below the 3% threshold considered healthy.
| Year | Vacancy rate | Average 2-bedroom rent | STR units (estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2.8% | $1,045 | ~180 |
| 2022 | 2.3% | $1,120 | ~240 |
| 2023 | 1.9% | $1,210 | ~290 |
| 2024 (Q2) | 2.1% | $1,285 | ~195 (licensed) |
The City estimates that before the by-law, approximately 40% of STR units were non-primary residences, removing much-needed long-term housing from the market. Since enforcement began, 85 units have returned to the long-term rental pool. Source: CMHC Rental Market Data — Moncton.
8. Local Infrastructure: Hospitals & Major Roads
Knowing the local infrastructure helps STR hosts inform guests and comply with zoning proximity rules. Below are the key hospitals and major roads in Moncton.
🏥 Hospitals
| Hospital name | Address | Type | Distance from downtown |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Moncton Hospital (Horizon Health) | 135 MacBeath Ave, Moncton, NB E1C 6Z8 | Full-service tertiary care | 2.5 km |
| Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre | 330 Université Ave, Moncton, NB E1C 2Z3 | Full-service (French-language) | 3.0 km |
🛣️ Major Roads
- Main Street (Route 106): East–west spine through downtown, connects to Dieppe and Riverview.
- Mountain Road (Route 126): Northwest corridor leading to Magnetic Hill and the airport.
- Champlain Street (Route 134): South commercial corridor to Champlain Place and the highway.
- Wheeler Boulevard (Route 2 connector): Northern ring road linking to the Trans-Canada Highway.
- Paul Street / Vaughn Harvey Boulevard: Key north–south connectors near the hospital district.
Zoning note: STRs are prohibited in any property fronting exclusively on industrial-zoned roads (e.g., parts of Baig Blvd and Morton Ave). Check the official zoning map at Moncton.ca/zoning before applying.
9. Fines & Penalties — Detailed Breakdown
Moncton’s penalty regime is structured to escalate quickly for repeat or egregious violations. Below is the complete schedule from By-law Z-23-157, Section 12.
| Violation | First offence | Second offence (within 12 mo.) | Third+ offence | Additional measures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating without a license | $500 | $1,000 | $2,500 | Cease-and-desist order |
| Misrepresenting primary residence status | $750 | $1,500 | $3,000 | License revoked + 1-year ban |
| Failure to display license number in listing | $200 | $500 | $1,000 | Notice of non-compliance |
| Exceeding maximum occupancy (per guest over limit) | $250 | $500 | $1,000 | Immediate inspection |
| Failure to maintain fire safety equipment | $400 | $800 | $2,000 | Re-inspection fee charged |
| Obstructing an inspector | $500 | $1,000 | $2,500 | Possible criminal referral |
Source: Moncton By-law Z-23-157 (PDF), Section 12 — Penalties.
10. Real Enforcement Cases & Examples
Moncton’s By-law team has actively pursued violators since September 2023. Here are three notable cases that illustrate the range of enforcement actions.
Case 1: Mountain Road Multi-Unit (Oct 2023)
A property on Mountain Road was operating 3 separate STR units without any license. The owner did not reside on site. After a complaint from neighbours, the City conducted an investigation and issued:
- 3 violation notices (one per unit) — CAD 500 each = CAD 1,500
- Cease-and-desist order for all units
- Legal referral when the owner continued to advertise
Outcome: The owner was fined an additional CAD 1,700 in court (total CAD 3,200) and ordered to convert the units to long-term rental. Source: CBC News — Moncton STR Fines.
Case 2: Downtown Condo — License Number Omission (Dec 2023)
A downtown condo host had a valid license but failed to display the number on their Airbnb listing. A guest complaint triggered a warning notice. The host complied within 48 hours and no fine was issued. This case is often used by the City to educate hosts.
Case 3: False Primary Residence Declaration (Mar 2024)
The owner of a Champlain Street property claimed it was their primary residence but utility records showed the owner lived in Saint John. The City revoked the license, imposed a CAD 750 fine, and banned the owner from applying for any STR license for 12 months. The property was required to convert to long-term rental.
More cases: Moncton STR Enforcement Actions Page.
11. Additional Regulations & Compliance Tips
Beyond the core licensing rules, Moncton has several ancillary requirements every STR host must know.
📋 Key Additional Rules
- Maximum occupancy: 2 adults per bedroom + 2 additional guests. Total cannot exceed 10 guests regardless of unit size.
- Noise & nuisance: STRs must comply with the City’s Noise By-law (N-01). Quiet hours are 23:00–07:00. Violations can result in immediate license suspension.
- Parking: 1 off-street parking space per guest room (minimum 2 spaces for any STR).
- Waste management: Hosts must provide clearly labelled recycling and compost bins. Improper waste disposal fines start at CAD 100.
- Taxation: STR income is subject to provincial HST (15%) once gross revenue exceeds CAD 30,000. Registration with the NB Department of Finance is mandatory.
✅ Compliance Tips from the City
- Install a digital noise monitor (recommended models: Minut, NoiseAware) to demonstrate proactive compliance.
- Provide a guest information card in the unit with emergency contacts, quiet hours, and waste sorting instructions.
- Keep digital copies of your license, inspection reports, and liability insurance on your phone for spot checks.
- Renew your license 60 days before expiry — set a calendar reminder to avoid the CAD 50 late fee.
- Join the Moncton STR Host Association (voluntary) for updates on regulatory changes and best practices.
Full regulatory text: By-law Z-23-157 (PDF).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is short-term rental restricted in Moncton?
A. Yes. Moncton restricts STRs to primary residences only under By-law Z-23-157. All operators must obtain a license from the City. Non-primary-residence STRs are prohibited entirely.
What are the fines for operating an unlicensed STR in Moncton?
A. Fines start at CAD 500 for a first offence and escalate to CAD 1,000–5,000 for repeat violations. The City can also issue cease-and-desist orders and suspend or revoke business licenses.
How much does a short-term rental license cost in Moncton?
A. The initial application fee is CAD 250, and annual renewal is CAD 150. Late renewals incur a CAD 50 surcharge. Fees are non-refundable and must be paid at the time of application.
Which areas in Moncton are best for STR licensing?
A. Only primary residences are eligible. Popular compliant areas include downtown (Main Street corridor), Mountain Road, and the Champlain Street district. Entire-home STRs are only allowed if the owner lives on-site.
How long does it take to get a STR license in Moncton?
A. Standard processing takes 15–25 business days. Incomplete applications or those requiring fire/municipal inspections can take up to 40 business days. Priority processing is not available.
What is the vacancy rate in Moncton?
A. As of 2024, Moncton's rental vacancy rate sits at approximately 2.1% (CMHC data). This tight market is one of the reasons the City introduced STR restrictions to preserve long-term housing.
Which local agency handles STR regulation in Moncton?
A. The Building & By-law Services division at Moncton City Hall (655 Main Street) handles all STR licensing, inspections, and enforcement. The office is open Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM.
Are there any real enforcement cases in Moncton?
A. Yes. In 2023–2024 the City issued 17 cease-and-desist orders and 42 warning notices. A prominent case involved a Mountain Road property operating 3 unlicensed units that was fined CAD 3,200 and ordered to cease operations.
Official Resources
This information is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Regulations are subject to change. Always consult the City of Moncton’s official By-law Z-23-157 and seek independent legal counsel for your specific situation.
Legal references: Moncton City By-law Z-23-157, Section 12 (Penalties), Section 6 (Licensing Requirements), Section 8 (Primary Residence Requirement). New Brunswick Provincial Planning Regulation 87-83. Canada Revenue Agency guidelines on short-term rental income (IT-393).
Last updated: December 2024. Verification recommended via Moncton.ca/STR.