City of Markham STR rules

What this means for hosts

City of Markham has not adopted a short-term rental licensing regime because STRs aren't a permitted use under the zoning bylaw. There is no licence to apply for, no MAT to remit, and no official compliance checklist — the municipality's position is that operating an STR here isn't allowed.

But people do it anyway — what's the risk?

Listings on Airbnb and Vrbo in City of Markham do exist — typically single-family homes, basement suites, or condos rented out by owners. Enforcement is complaint-driven: a neighbour or condo board complaint can trigger a zoning order, daily fines, or a cease-and-desist. Condo corporations often have their own STR bans on top of the City's zoning rules, and insurance carriers may deny claims on a property used for an unpermitted commercial purpose.

Before you list

Contact City of Markham directly to confirm the current zoning position on your specific property, check your condo declaration or HOA rules, and talk to your insurer about short-term rental coverage. Don't rely on the absence of a licence as permission.