What is a CITQ number?
A CITQ number — usually six digits — identifies an establishment in Quebec's Ministry of Tourism registry. It must appear on Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking, and any direct booking site before the first stay. An expired number makes the listing illegal even if the property is otherwise fine.
How to get a CITQ attestation
Classification comes from CITQ. Registry entry comes next from the Ministry. In practice you do three things.
First, confirm municipal zoning — a city can ban or cap short-term rentals even when CITQ would approve. Next, apply for attestation by unit type — principal residence or secondary / cottage. Then register with the provincial directory and put the number on every listing.
Expect several weeks. A property manager can run the file for you; at Reserver.ca, CITQ compliance is part of property management.
Principal residence vs secondary residence
The path differs. A principal residence can sometimes rent without a full “tourist residence” classification, but the CITQ number is still mandatory. A cottage or secondary home needs the full attestation before any paid night. If you are buying to rent, check zoning before you sign — not after.
How to verify a CITQ number
Ask the host if the number is missing. Enter it in the Reserver.ca lookup or the official Tourisme Québec directory. Match the establishment name, municipality, and status. If the number is missing, expired, or does not match the listing, walk away.
Cost — and the risk of renting without one
For a typical residential cottage, budget about CA$250–CA$500 the first year (classification plus registration). Fines without a number run from CA$2,500 to CA$25,000 per infraction, per day, per listing. Airbnb and Vrbo must remove non-compliant listings when reported.
Every cottage in the Reserver.ca catalog carries a verified CITQ, with a public page per number.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CITQ?
- CITQ (Corporation de l'industrie touristique du Québec) classifies tourist accommodation and feeds Quebec's provincial registry. The CITQ number is the mandatory ID on every short-term rental listing in Quebec under Loi 67.
- How do I get a CITQ attestation or number?
- Check municipal zoning, obtain the CITQ attestation (principal or secondary as applicable), then register with the Ministry of Tourism. Expect several weeks; a manager like Reserver.ca can run the file.
- How do I verify a CITQ number?
- Use Reserver.ca's CITQ lookup or Tourisme Québec's official directory. Name, city, and status should match the listing.
- How much does CITQ registration cost?
- Classification fees (CITQ) and registration fees (Ministry) vary by category and unit count. Budget CA$250–CA$500 for the first year for a typical residential cottage.
- What happens if I rent without a CITQ number?
- Fines range from CA$2,500 to CA$25,000 per infraction (per day, per listing). Revenu Québec and municipalities can issue tickets. Airbnb and Vrbo must remove non-compliant listings when reported.