In March 2022, the Municipality of Trent Lakes approved a three (3) year phased program to recognize and address the emergence of Short-Term Residential Rental properties. Phase One and Phase Two are now completed and Phase Three – Licensing, is in the proposal stage. The draft Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) Licensing By-Law has been developed to license and regulate short-term rental properties, in order to provide safe accommodation options to support Trent Lakes tourist industry while allowing residents the opportunity to use their properties to earn additional income. Short-term rental regulations assist in responding to health, safety and nuisance concerns related to excessive noise, garbage, parking and security issues, while enabling all property owners to enjoy their properties. The STRA Licensing By-Law is an enhanced tool to address issues that may arise. Over 50 municipalities in Ontario have already implemented Short-Term Rental regulations through licensing by-laws.
The Municipality will publish on their website a list of all licensed Short- Term rental properties, as well as those properties where licenses have been revoked or suspended.
Short-Term Rental Accommodation Licensing |
The Short-Term Rental Accommodation Licensing Program was initiated by the Municipality of Trent Lakes to ensure all rentals function safely and in accordance with the Fire Protection Standards and the Ontario Building Code. Property owners who wish to operate a Short-Term Rental Accommodation for a period of 28 days or less, are required to obtain a license from the Municipality. |
Licensing Process |
Applications for a license will be accepted during the intake period, from October 1st through to December 15th, starting in 2024, and licenses issued and validated will be in effect for the full calendar year 2025. Subsequently yearly renewals will be required.
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New and Renewal Application Requirements |
Property owners are required to provide the following information for a new application:
Property owners will be required to provide the following information for yearly license renewals:
On the 4th year, the application for Short-Term Rental Accommodation License will be considered a new application including $1,000 application fee and site inspection required. |
License Review/Issuance |
Once the application is submitted, staff will review the information provided to ensure compliance. Should the application be missing information or not conform to a regulation or by-law, the applicant will be advised via email. Applicants will be given an opportunity to update the application or provide any missing documentation and resubmit. If the application is found to be in compliance, the applicant will be advised, a license will be issued and subsequently a mutually agreed upon date will be scheduled for an on-site visit. If a license must be denied, the applicant will also be advised, with the reasons for denial. |
Site Inspection |
Upon the approval of the application and issuance of a License, staff will attend the site on a date mutually agreed upon with the owner to verify conformity with the submitted documents.
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Enforcement |
The terms of the By-Law will be enforced through staff and contracted services. The Short-Term Rental Accommodation Licensing By-Law will be administered through the AMPS By-Law and Penalty Notices and Orders may be applied to violations of the By-Law. Any violations may result in a Penalty Notice, an Order, Demerit Points.
At the discretion of an Enforcement Officer an Order may be issued. An Order generally identifies the violation and a requirement to rectify said violation within a specified time frame. |
Appeal Process |
Where the municipality has denied a license, a renewal of a license, or has suspended or revoked a license, the owner will be notified; setting forth the reasoning for the decision, with information provided regarding the right to appeal to the Appeals Committee. The Property owner will have 14 days from the issuance of the decision to file an appeal. An Appeals Committee hearing will be scheduled providing the opportunity for the property owner/licensee, staff and the public to speak to the matter. The Appeals Committee hearing is a public process and notification of the hearing will be circulated to all property owners within 120 m of the subject property. All decisions of the Appeals Committee shall be final. Written notice shall be provided to the property owner/licensee within 14 days of the Committee’s decision. |
The Short Term Rental Working Group have created a draft by-law. The by-law was brought to Council on April 16, 2024. Council received the by-law and has requested final public input.
The entire draft by-law can be read here.
Fill out our feedback form here.
Feedback will be accepted no later than May 31, 2024.
What problem are we trying to solve with this STRA by-law? |
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Why do we need a new by-law when we already have by-laws for noise, fireworks, animals, parking, etc.? |
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Why is there not an exemption for people who only rent their properties out for a few weeks a year? |
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How did we arrive at the fee amounts? |
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Why must there be an onsite inspection? |
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Why are there restrictions on the numbers of occupants? |
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Why must there be a contact person who can attend the site within 90 minutes? |
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Who will be responsible for complaints? |
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Who will be responsible for enforcement? |
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