Short-Term Rental Accommodations Licensing

Step 1 - Prepare for your application

Use the Application Guide to help you prepare your licence submission. 

The guide includes a detailed checklist to help you gather all required documentation for your application, along with examples to assist in completing certain components.

You will need the following forms included with your application:

• Short-Term Licensing Application Form
  
• Septic Records Search Form

You will also need the following documents included with your application:

• Proof of Ownership
• Copy of Government-issued ID
• Site Plan
• Floor Plan
• Drinking Water Test
• WETT Certificate (if applicable)
• Proof of Insurance

Step 2 - Apply for a Licence

Prior to beginning the application, ensure that you have read through our Short-Term Accommodation Application Guide.

Once you have prepared all required documentation as stated in Step 1 and have read over the application guide, go to the STA Application Portal to submit your application.

Step 3 - Application Review and Licence Issuance

Once the application has been submitted, staff will review the information provided, considering Municipal and Provincial regulations, to confirm 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 the 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. If a site inspection is required it will be arranged with the applicable Department.

If a licence must be denied, the applicant will be advised, including with reasons for denial.

Council Reports and Presentation

• Reports to Council
  • September 21, 2023: Short-Term Accommodations
  • January 18, 2024: Memo Short-Term Accommodations Update
  • March 21, 2024: Short-Term Accommodations Review and Report of Findings
  • April 18, 2024: By-law 19-2024 Short-Term Accommodations Licensing By-law
• Presentation
  • March 21, 2024: Short-Term Accommodations Report Presentation

By-laws

• Short-Term Rental Accommodations Licensing By-law 19-2024
• Short-Term Rental Accommodations Licensing By-law Amendment 62-2024
• Animal Control By-law 09-2008 and Amendment 28-2018
• Noise By-law 27-2025
• Open-Air Burning By-law 81-2016
• Property Standards By-law 75-2020

What is a Short-Term Accommodation?

A Short-Term Accommodation (STA) is the rental of a property for less than 28 days in duration. This would include renting a private room in a home, an entire home, a seasonal property, or any other space for 28 days or less.

Does my site and floor plan need to be completed by a professional?

No, they do not. A hand-drawn map or diagram is acceptable. Drawings must be legible, detailed and show all structures, parking area, septic system, street, etc.

What type of insurance is required?

The Property Owner must hold liability insurance of not less than $2 million dollars per occurrence for property damage and bodily injury.

By-law enforcement and entry

Municipal law enforcement officers enforce municipal by-laws. When a complaint is received, it is investigated to determine if there has been a by-law violation. The appropriate action will then be taken to resolve the matter. At any time, an officer may enter onto land for the purpose of carrying out an inspection to determine whether by-laws are being obeyed.

Zoning by-law and regulation

The zoning by-law does not prohibit the use of a dwelling unit (e.g. entire cottage or home) for any length of time (e.g. short term or long term) to be rented. However, if a room rental is provided, providing or selling meals and/or drink is strictly prohibited as this would be considered a bed and breakfast establishment. Bed and breakfasts are only permitted on properties with specific zoning that permits this use.

Why does it say that my parcel number does not exist?

When entering your parcel number, omit the "4706" prefix but include the "0000" suffix.

For example, if your parcel number is "4706 006 01012345 0000", enter it as "006010123450000" in the application.

Why do I need a Septic Search Form?

You only need to submit a Septic Search Form if:

1. Your accommodation has 4 or more bedrooms, and
2. You do not have a copy of the Septic Permit issued when the system was installed.

If both of these conditions apply, please complete the Septic Records Search Form (found above in Step 1) and submit it in the "Septic Permit" document section. Our staff will then search our records for the appropriate Septic Permit.

While we aim to have a copy of the Septic Permit on file, our records may be incomplete. The Septic Permits were previously issued by the Renfrew County District Health Unit.

What if my septic is not large enough for the number of bedrooms I have?

If existing septic system documentation cannot be located, or if the available documentation confirms that the current system is undersized for the proposed number of bedrooms, a qualified Professional Engineer with expertise in septic design will be required to assess the existing system and confirm in writing whether it is adequately sized for the intended use.