A world away: Exploring the standards and surprises of Short-Term Rentals in Canada

By Marion Simon Management Rights Owner/Operator. Boulevard North Apartments, Gold Coast 

The life of a management rights operator is filled with unique stories, lessons, and memorable moments worth sharing. 

I recently had the privilege of spending September in Canada with my sister, Pat, a seasoned travel agent with over 35 years of experience across more than 50 countries—including Australia. Pat was the ideal companion to explore the nuances of short-term accommodations (STR) abroad.

Marion’s column was first published in October’s Resort News

During one of our dinners, we launched into a spirited discussion about the differences in STR experiences between Canada and Australia. Inspired by that conversation and backed by research and personal experiences, I took a deeper look at how our Australian approach to short-term rentals compares to Canada’s.

Here’s what I discovered:

With a population of nearly 40 million, Canada has approximately 355,070 STR units, most managed through online platforms. By comparison, Australia, with a population of around 26 million, hosts around 132,000 STR units. While both countries offer a range of options for travellers, my experiences revealed some clear differences in standards, expectations, and guest satisfaction.

Over our month in Canada, we stayed in nine different short-term rentals. The accommodations were generally rated between 3 and 3.5 stars, with descriptions and photographs mostly accurate.

Basic amenities like toilet paper, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and dishwasher soap were provided, along with the all-important coffee machine stocked with pods—a welcome touch.

However, cleanliness, maintenance, and service levels varied widely.

Remote check-in was the standard, and check-in and check-out times were non-negotiable—quite different from the personalised service we offer in Australia. Extras like sports equipment or personal touches were rare, and the attention to safety and maintenance was noticeably less rigorous.

This experience gave me a new appreciation for the standards we uphold in Australia.

In Australia, we take workplace and public safety very seriously. Body Corporate committees expect properties to be maintained at the highest standards, with lush gardens and spotless rooms. Our guests value a start-to-finish experience, from a warm welcome at check-in to the little extras that make them feel at home.

Reflecting on our journey, Pat and I agreed—Australian STR managers truly stand out.

With the stealth of a cat, the resilience of an oak, the agility of a tightrope walker, and the strategic foresight of a Ninja Warrior, we’re providing an international standard of service.

The challenges are many, but we rise to meet them, offering a service that competes and often surpasses global expectations.

As always, this column is for YOU—the dedicated professionals navigating the maze of management rights.

May these stories inspire laughter, empathy, and pride. No matter the feedback, remember your essential role and keep challenging yourself to grow and improve. Together, we’re building an industry that not only meets but often exceeds global standards. 

Marion would love to hear your stories, your experiences and your dreams. Leave comments below or message the editor.

This column was first published in October’s Resort News – the respected monthly magazine for accommodation management professionals. Read it HERE