Policies & Legal

What is a Quebec CITQ Number?

Updated 2026-05-28

The Quebec CITQ Number is a unique registration identifier required for any property offered as a short-term rental (31 days or less) in Quebec. Issued by the Corporation de l'industrie touristique du Québec, this number serves as proof that the establishment complies with provincial laws and regulations governing tourist accommodations.

It is a legal requirement for operators to display this number on all advertisements and online booking platforms. The system aims to ensure quality and safety standards, regulate the industry, and facilitate proper tax collection.

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How it works

To obtain a CITQ number, a property owner or manager must submit an application to the Corporation de l'industrie touristique du Québec. The application requires property details, proof of valid civil liability insurance of at least $2 million, and a notice of compliance from the local municipality.

After the application is reviewed and the annual fee is paid, the CITQ issues a registration certificate containing the unique number. The operator is then legally obligated to include this registration number in all public listings and advertisements for the property.

This registration must be renewed annually to remain valid.

Why it matters

The CITQ number is essential for legally operating a short-term rental in Quebec. Operating without a valid, displayed number can lead to significant fines, legal action, and removal from booking platforms.

For guests, the number provides assurance that the rental meets government-mandated safety and quality standards, enhancing trust and confidence. For municipalities and the province, the system allows for effective oversight of the short-term rental market, helping to manage housing availability and ensure properties contribute to the local tourism economy through lodging taxes.

Examples

  • A host in Old Montreal applies for and receives a CITQ number, which she then adds to her property's description on Airbnb and Vrbo to legally rent her condo to tourists.
  • A family planning a ski vacation to Mont-Tremblant filters their search results on a booking site to only show chalets that have a valid CITQ registration number displayed.
  • A property manager overseeing several cottages in the Gaspé Peninsula completes the annual renewal process for each property's CITQ registration to ensure uninterrupted, compliant operation.
  • After an inspection, a host is notified that they must post their CITQ certificate in a visible location inside their rental unit, in addition to displaying the number on their online listings.

Frequently asked questions

What is the CITQ?+
The CITQ (Corporation de l'industrie touristique du Québec) is the organization mandated by the Quebec government to manage the registration and classification of tourist accommodation establishments in the province.
Where must I display my Quebec CITQ Number?+
Your CITQ number must be included in any advertisement or listing for your short-term rental. This includes platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com, social media posts, and your own direct booking website. If you have a website built with a platform like Lodgify, the number must be clearly visible there to comply with the law.
What happens if I don't have a CITQ number for my Quebec rental?+
Operating a short-term rental in Quebec for periods of 31 days or less without a valid CITQ number is illegal. Violators face substantial fines from Revenu Québec and may be delisted from Online Travel Agencies (OTAs).
Does the CITQ number requirement apply to all of Quebec?+
Yes, the requirement to obtain and display a CITQ registration number applies to all short-term rental tourist accommodations operating anywhere within the province of Quebec.
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