What you need to know about Short Term Rentals in Kawartha Lakes this summer
With summer right around the corner, peak Short Term Rental (STR) season is almost upon us!
Here’s everything you need to know about STRs in Kawartha Lakes:
Licensing requirement
Effective January 1, 2024, all short-term rentals in Kawartha Lakes must be licensed. This requirement is essential for ensuring guest safety and respecting the rights of neighboring properties.
If you’re an STR owner or operator, and you haven’t started the licensing process, you are not in compliance with the new Short Term Rental By-Law.
To avoid any interruptions to your STR business, apply online for your Short Term Rental Accommodation Business License today.
Please note that unlicensed STRs may be subject to fines and demerit points that could impact your future STR license applications.
Monitoring and enforcement
We have established a 24/7 monitoring service to ensure that short-term rental operators promptly address any issues at their properties within 30 to 60 minutes. Both guests and STR owners/operators may incur fines for various violations of the new Short Term Rental By-Law. Violations related to parking, noise, pets and waste will result in fines for guests. Guests are the responsibility of owners and owners will face fines, inspection fees and demerit points for each infraction, potentially leading to losing their license.
During long weekends this summer, starting with Victoria Day long weekend in May, there will be By-Law Officers on staff until 1am to respond to complaints.
Reporting an issue
As of December 1, 2023, if you live near a Short Term Rental and you've been experiencing loud parties, trespassing, violation of occupancy limits, parking issues, or related problems, you can report your concerns at any time to our 24/7 STR Hotline and Online Form.
Residents can either call the number listed below to register their concerns or visit the online form:
Call: 705-990-2497
Use the online form: 24/7 STR Hotline
Quotes
“The Short Term Rental By-Law was designed to address specific concerns the community has about STRs in Kawartha Lakes while supporting the majority of our responsible rental operators. We’ve heard the community’s feedback and we’ll be enforcing the By-law this summer to ensure that everyone has a chance to enjoy the beauty and peace of Kawartha Lakes,” said Deputy Mayor Charlie McDonald, Kawartha Lakes.
“If you’re a Short Term Rental owner or operator in Kawartha Lakes and you haven’t started the process to have your business licensed, you are not in compliance with the new By-law. To avoid any penalties or interruptions to your business, please be sure to start the licensing process as soon as possible,” said Aaron Sloan, Manager, Municipal Law Enforcement and Licensing, Kawartha Lakes.
More information
Any questions about the STR application process, enforcement of the by-law or the 24/7 STR hotline can be directed to str@kawarthalakes.ca or the Municipal Law Enforcement and Licensing office by calling 705-324-9411 extension 1328.
For more general information about Short Term Rentals in Kawartha Lakes, please visit our website: www.kawarthalakes.ca/STR.
