Key facts
- A regular home policy usually excludes short-term rental activity. Airbnb or VRBO coverage does not replace your own policy.
- The City of Oshawa asks for $2 million liability per occurrence, cover for property damage and bodily injury, and 15 days' written notice of cancellation.
- Oshawa rentals must operate from your principal residence, within the City's night limits.
- Check the City's current rules before you apply. Rules and fees can change.
- We can set the policy up to match what the City asks for.
What the City of Oshawa asks for
These points come from the City of Oshawa's short-term rental page. Read the current version at oshawa.ca before you apply.
- A business licence, with the licence number shown on your advertisement
- Insurance with liability of not less than $2 million per occurrence
- Insurance that identifies the property as a short-term rental and covers property damage and bodily injury
- At least 15 days' written notice to the City if the insurance is cancelled
- Operation from your principal residence
- Stays of no more than 28 consecutive days, and a yearly cap on rental days
- If you rent by the room, no more than two rooms and two occupants in each
- A local contact who can respond within one hour
- Working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
- Municipal Accommodation Tax on bookings
Why a normal home policy is not enough
Home policies are written for owner-occupied living. Paid guests, frequent turnover and a listing on a booking platform can fall outside the wording. Platform host protection, where offered, has its own limits and conditions and does not replace a proper policy. Tell your insurer exactly what you do so a claim is not questioned.
Coverage to ask for
- Short-term rental liability with at least the limit the City requires
- Dwelling and contents written for short-term rental use
- Loss of rental income if a covered loss stops bookings
- Guests' injuries and damage claims
- Water and sewer backup
- Umbrella liability for higher limits
- City notice wording as required for the licence
Rental types
| Rental type | Common concern | Key insurer questions |
|---|---|---|
| Whole home | Higher property exposure | How often rented, who manages it |
| Room in your home | Shared occupancy | Access, guests, number of rooms |
| Basement suite | Separate entrance and unit status | Long-term or short-term, permits, cooking |
Hosting checklist
- Read the City's current short-term rental rules.
- Get the licence before you list.
- Ask us for a policy that matches the City's insurance wording.
- Put smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level.
- Give guests written house rules and emergency instructions.
- Keep booking records for as long as the City requires.
- Review the policy each year and after any change.
Example scenarios
Questions Ontario clients ask
- How much liability do I need for an Airbnb in Oshawa?
- The City asks for at least $2 million per occurrence. Check the City's page for the current wording.
- Does Airbnb's host protection replace insurance?
- No. It has its own limits and conditions. You still need a policy that matches your situation.
- Can I rent my basement on Airbnb?
- Possibly, subject to the City's rules and zoning. Tell us about the unit and the licence you plan to apply for.
- Do I need to notify the City if I cancel my policy?
- The City requires at least 15 days' written notice of cancellation to be provided for by the policy. Ask us how the wording is set up.
- Can you insure an Airbnb outside Oshawa?
- Yes. See our [short-term rental page](/short-term-rental-airbnb-insurance-ontario) for the rest of Ontario.
- How much does it cost?
- It depends on the property, nights rented and claims history. We compare 20+ insurers for real numbers.
Abhishek Bedwal · RIBO Certified Insurance Broker
Abhishek is a Registered Insurance Broker of Ontario (RIBO) licensed across the province, with local expertise across Durham Region, Ottawa, Niagara Falls, Brantford and Windsor. Coverage is placed through The Insurance Lab, a division of BrokerUnion, giving clients access to 20+ Canadian insurers so the policy fits the risk — not the other way around.
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