How to get a CITQ number to rent on Airbnb in Québec

By Équipe éditoriale Heritage · May 13, 2026

Complete procedure to get the CITQ classification certificate required for any short-term rental in Québec: 5 steps, costs, timelines, official sources.

In Québec, anyone who rents accommodation for less than 31 days must hold a CITQ (Corporation de l'industrie touristique du Québec) classification certificate under the Tourist Accommodation Establishments Act (RLRQ E-14.2). Without this number, your Airbnb, Vrbo or Booking.com listings are illegal and subject to fines of up to $50,000 per offence. Here is the complete procedure, current for 2026.

Who needs a CITQ number?

Every owner who offers a residence (chalet, house, condo, part of a residence) for short-term rental to tourists for less than 31 consecutive days. That includes Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, and any direct advertising. The rule applies even for a single night per year.

How much does a CITQ certificate cost?

The total cost breaks down into three items: file analysis fee ($170), physical inspection ($180), display and annual rights (variable by municipality, typically $100 to $200/yr). Initial total: approximately $350, plus the recurring annual municipal permit ($160/yr in Sainte-Adèle in 2026).

Procedure in 5 steps

The complete process usually takes 4 to 8 weeks from submission to final certificate.

  1. Verify municipal zoning — call or visit your municipality's planning department to confirm the "tourist residence" use is permitted on your lot. In Sainte-Adèle, zoning by-law URB-301 defines the permitted zones; at Project Heritage every lot is in zone H-407 western portion, which expressly permits the use. Without this confirmation, do not submit the CITQ application.
  2. Submit the application on the CITQ portal — create an account on citq.qc.ca, complete the « Tourist Residence Classification Application » form, upload proof of ownership (deed or lease), a description of the dwelling (number of bedrooms, beds, area), and pay the analysis fee online ($170). Keep the file number you are assigned.
  3. Prepare the dwelling for inspection — equip the chalet to minimum standards: working smoke and CO detectors on every floor, ABC class fire extinguisher, first-aid kit, posted evacuation instructions, water tested if on a well, compliant septic system. The CITQ publishes a detailed inspection grid (5 categories, ~80 criteria) — download it before the inspection to prepare.
  4. Receive the physical inspection from a CITQ classifier — an independent classifier visits the dwelling (60 to 90 minutes), checks each criterion, takes photos, and assigns a 1- to 4-star rating. The inspection generally takes place within 30 to 45 days after the complete file is submitted. Cost: $180, payable to the classifier.
  5. Receive and display the certificate — the CITQ emails the official certificate within 2 to 3 weeks after the inspection, with the 6-digit CITQ number. Display it on Airbnb (« registration number » field), Vrbo, Booking.com and any advertising, plus at the chalet entrance on the official CITQ notice (downloadable from your online file). The certificate renews annually.

Realistic timelines (2026 data)

  • Municipal zoning verification: 1 to 5 business days (depends on municipality)
  • CITQ file analysis: 5 to 15 business days after payment
  • Physical inspection: 30 to 45 days after file acceptance
  • Certificate issuance: 10 to 20 days after inspection
  • Average total: 6 to 8 weeks from submission to display

Common mistakes that fail the application

  • Forgetting to verify municipal zoning before submitting — CITQ rejects the file if the municipality does not permit the use
  • Smoke detectors with expired batteries or not installed on every floor (#1 reason for non-compliance)
  • Septic system without a recent (< 5 years) conformity certificate
  • No fire extinguisher or extinguisher not inspected in the past 12 months
  • Displaying the CITQ number on listings before official issuance (immediate offence)

What about the municipal permit?

The CITQ certificate is mandatory but not sufficient — most municipalities additionally require an annual municipal permit for tourist residence. In Sainte-Adèle this permit costs $160/yr in 2026 and is requested from the planning department. Apply for it in parallel with the CITQ procedure to avoid delays.

Official sources

  • CITQ — Tourist Residence Classification Program (citq.qc.ca)
  • Tourist Accommodation Establishments Act — RLRQ E-14.2
  • Regulation respecting Tourist Accommodation Establishments — Q-2, r. 21
  • Tourisme Québec — Tourist accommodation (tourisme.gouv.qc.ca)
  • Revenu Québec — Lodging tax (revenuquebec.ca)

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