A bed and breakfast, commonly known as a B&B, is a business that provides short-term accommodations in a private home, or other comparable location, and traditionally includes breakfast as part of the service. Accommodations can vary from one establishment to the next, as each building has its own unique characteristics. Locations that might provide B&B accommodations can range from historic buildings and cottages, to houseboats and private homes. The amenities offered by different B&B businesses can also vary. In some cases, you may have private rooms with private bathrooms or several private rooms with shared bathrooms. B&Bs generally emphasize a high level of personalized customer service and will often be connected to local tourist attractions.
When you start a business there are several things to consider before you can sell your product or service. Most businesses in Ontario need to complete a minimum of three basic steps:
Find out what licences and regulations apply to your type of business
Choose a business structure and register or incorporate your business
Determine if you will need to collect and remit HST
Our Starting a business guide will give you more information on these steps and other basic requirements for starting a business in Ontario.
You may wish to contact your local municipality to verify how your B&B business will be classified and what regulations will apply to you (for example, you may need a Food Handler licence).
Also, most municipalities require a building permit before alterations or new construction begins. It is important to check zoning regulations before signing any binding contracts and to obtain the necessary building permit(s) before beginning alterations or new construction.
Your local health unit is the main contact for information on food safety and inspections.
Contact your local health authority to arrange an inspection of your business location, equipment and processes and make sure your business is complying with provincial and federal legislation.
The following link provides contact information for local health authorities that inspect food businesses in Ontario.
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA)
You may have regulations or inspection standards to follow if you produce, transport or manufacture specific food products in Ontario. Regulated products include dairy, eggs, fish, meat, honey and other plant-based products. Contact the Ministry directly to find out what will apply to your business.
Home-based food businesses are allowed to sell low-risk, home-prepared foods and are exempt from certain regulatory requirements, such as specified handwashing stations in food premises, compliance with commercial dishwashing requirements and food handling training certification.
Low-risk food items are generally considered non-hazardous and do not require time and temperature control. Some examples of low-risk foods include:
Most breads and buns (without meat, cream filling, etc.)
Most baked goods (with no custard)
Chocolate, hard candies and brittles
Fudge and toffees
Pickles, jams and preserves
Granola, trail mix, nuts and seeds
Cakes (icing that doesn’t require refrigeration), brownies, muffins and cookies
The Ontario government prohibits smoking in all enclosed workplaces and enclosed public places. Find out what your responsibilities are, what is required for inspections and how to get “No Smoking” signs.
As a provider of accommodations you will likely need to meet additional requirements under the Ontario Building Code and the Ontario Fire Code to ensure the safety of your guests. You can contact your local fire department and municipal building department to make sure that your business premises meets all local safety requirements.
When your business uses recorded music, you are responsible for getting the right licence(s) for that use. Contact the following organization for more information:
Entandem
Organizations that use music are legally required to get the applicable RE:SOUND and SOCAN licences. Businesses can get both licences through Entandem to ensure that they are using music ethically and legally.
If you arrange transportation or sleeping accommodation for your clients, you may need to register with the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO). Examples of activities that can include regulated travel and accommodation services:
Tours
Retreats
Workshops
Seminars
Field trips
To find out more about activities that require registration, contact TICO or visit their website.
If you want to offer hot tubs (spas) or a pool at your business, you need to make sure you are following Ontario’s regulations. Information about rules and exemptions that may apply to your business is available online. If you have questions about the rules or exemptions for hot tubs, spas and pools, contact your local Public Health Unit directly.
You can contact Pro Bono Ontario’s free legal advice hotline to enquire about getting help with your everyday civil legal needs (no family law, immigration or criminal law). The service is generally aimed at those who cannot afford a lawyer.
Note that service is not guaranteed and you will be asked questions as part of the qualifying process, such as the amount of personal income earned by your household, your name, postal code and age range.
Contact Pro Bono Ontario’s Free Legal Advice Hotline: 1-855-255-7256
You can also contact the Law Society of Ontario's Law Society Referral Service if you have legal questions of a business nature. The service may be able to assist you in finding a lawyer or paralegal, based on your needs.
If you sell goods and services in Ontario, you may need a business number to collect and remit the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). Most businesses that make less than $30,000 in any 12-month period are not required to charge HST; however, you can register voluntarily and claim input tax credits. Speak with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for more information.
HST Information for the Travel and Convention Industry
Learn how to charge the HST on accommodations, tour packages and passenger transportation services. You can also get information about HST rebates that may be available to non‑residents for eligible tour packages.
Find answers to common questions and how the HST may apply to the sale of owner-occupied homes, including those operated as bed and breakfast businesses.
