All Edmontonians should be able to find the housing they need in the neighbourhoods they love. Allowing different types of housing at different price points for all stages of life will help keep Edmonton livable, affordable and sustainable.
A Lodging House is a type of home. It is defined as a building, or part of a building, containing 4 or more bedrooms and each bedroom is rented individually.
Requirements for Lodging Houses
Lodging Houses are regulated to help ensure safe living conditions and compliance with development and licensing requirements.
Operating a Lodging House
A development permit, building permit and business licence are required prior to opening and operating a Lodging House.
Individuals interested in operating a Lodging House should contact the Edmonton Service Centre. Staff can guide applicants through the development and business licensing process to ensure submission requirements are met. Apply online or book an appointment to speak with staff.
Identifying and Reporting a Lodging House
A Lodging House is defined by how people rent the space they live in, rather than how the building is designed. It can be difficult to tell the difference between a Lodging House and other types of housing.
An investigation is sometimes required to determine if a residence is operating as a non-compliant Lodging House.
To report a potential non-compliant Lodging House, contact 311 or email developmentcompliance@edmonton.ca. More information on Development Compliance zoning bylaw complaints and the investigative process can be found at Development Compliance Zoning Bylaw Complaints.
Questions and Answers
Zoning Bylaw 20001 allows Lodging Houses in a variety of zones across Edmonton.
No. Lodging Houses have been part of Edmonton’s housing supply since the City was established. Based on permit records, they have historically provided flexible housing options for people living and working in the City. Today, they continue to exist in various neighbourhoods and are permitted under Zoning Bylaw 20001.
The bedrooms of a lodging house can be rented out as a short-term or long-term rental. Operators must obtain the appropriate business licence for residential rental accommodation that reflects the renter’s length of stay:
- If a room is available to rent for 31 days or more, the lodging house must be licensed under the Residential Rental Accommodations (Long-Term) category.
- If a room is available to rent for up to 30 days, the lodging house must be licensed under the Residential Rental Accommodations (Short-Term) category.
More information about short-term rental requirements is available at Short-Term Home Rentals.
The National Building Code—2023 Alberta Edition treats small-scale boarding and lodging similarly to a house when:
- There are no more than 8 boarders or lodgers
- Sleeping rooms are part of the owner’s residence
- Sleeping rooms do not contain cooking facilities
If there are more than eight boarders or lodgers, or if sleeping rooms contain cooking facilities, the building may instead be classified as an apartment building under the NBC-AE and have additional fire and safety requirements.
Refer to Development Compliance Zoning Bylaw Complaints for more information on the scope of enforcement of Lodging Houses.