Short Term Rental

Short-Term Rental Accommodations (STRs) allow for residents to offer a place of accommodation or temporary residence through online platforms.

On May 23, 2023 Town Council passed By-law 2023-059 to regulate Short Term Rentals within the Town of Amherstburg.

 

The Short-Term Rental Accommodation licensing program was initiated by the Town of Amherstburg to address community concerns and to ensure all rentals operate safely in accordance with the Short-Term Rental By-law 2023-059, the Fire Protection Standards, the Ontario Building Code and Towns By-laws. Residents and property owners who wish to rent their property for a period of 28 days or less are required to obtain a licence.

 

Application

 

Short Term Rental Application

 

Sample of Short Term Renter's Code

 

Responsible Operation Short Term Rental Sheet

 

Fire Safety Checklist

 

Short Term Rental By-law 2023-059

 

Electrical System Safety Assessment Checklist

 

Inspection Report - Fuel Burning Appliances

 

Fire Safety Plan

 

Submitting Concerns/Complaints 

To report a concern about a Short Term Rental during regular office hours, please contact the Licensing and Enforcement Dept. at (519) 736-0012.

Alternatively, please submit your concern through our online portal.

Online submissions are monitored outside of regular office hours. Please be advised that all complaints must be submitted in writing.

 

Short Term Rental Objectives

The STR Licensing By-law objectives include, but not limited to:

• Ensuring occupants are provided with safe accommodations in terms of fire and building safety
• Ensuring STR premises are operated and maintained in sanitary and acceptable levels of interior conditions as per Property Standards
• Ensuring STR Operators are made aware of their responsibilities to comply with Town by-laws and other regulations
• Protecting the character, amenities and quality of existing residential neighbourhoods
• Creating a level playing field for all STR Operators and providing enhanced consumer protection

 

 What is a Short Term Rental?

• Short Term Rentals are when you stay in a rental space for 30 days or less. This can include renting a private room in a home, an entire home, a seasonal property like a cottage or any other space. Short Term Rentals do not include established accommodations such as bed and breakfasts, hotels, trailer parks or campgrounds.

 What is an STR?

• STR is the acronym used to refer to Short-term Accommodations in the Town of Amherstburg.  

Does the Short Term Rental Accommodation have to be in my own home?

• No, the by-law does not require the property owner to live on the same property as an STR.

Is it okay to host in the apartment I rent?

• Yes, it is okay to use your apartment, or rental unit as an STR as long as the landlord provides written authorization which clearly gives you permission to act as a host or provider, and that the unit you are living in has a Short Term Rental Licence. 

 What about a Short Term Rental at a condominium?

• Yes, it is okay to host in a condominium as long as you have written authorization from the condominium board, and the landlord if rented, where applicable.

  Do I need to have insurance for my STR?

• Yes, your insurance company will need to fill out and sign a Certificate of Insurance. You need to include this completed certificate with your application.

 Will my STR be inspected?

• Yes, under the adopted By-law, the Fire Dept. will attend and complete and inspection in accordance with the submitted Fire Safety Plan.

 How much does a Short Term Rental Licence cost?

• The initial cost of a Short Term Rental Licence is $550.00 and the cost to renew the Licence annually is $500.00.

 Fire Pit and Open Air Burns

• This are not allowed on a property that holds a licence for a Short Term Rental.

  Waste and Recycling

• Amherstburg is a beautiful community - and we want to keep it that way. Proper disposal of garbage and recyclables is essential to keeping our community and waterways clean.

 

Visit our Garbage and Recycling page to learn more about property disposal of waste and waste collection days and to view the Municipal Waste Calendar.

Parking

• The Town's Short Term Rental By-law requires the applicant to submit a Parking Management Plan that will be reviewed and approved by our Planning Dept. and provides a parking plan without negatively affecting the neighbourhood in which the property is located.

Noise

Municipal By-law Enforcement can respond to noise complaints along with the Windsor Police Service.

Please be sure that you're respecting your neighbours by following the following:

 

• Loud music, yelling, screaming is prohibited at all times.
• Persistent noise made by any pet, such as a dog barking, is prohibited at all times.
• Use of an outdoor hot tub or outdoor pool is prohibited from 11pm till 7am.

Pets

• If you're bringing your pet along to your Short Term Rental property, please ensure that they are under care and control at all times, and that they don't wander onto neighbouring properties.

Who do I call to make a complaint about a Short Term Rental Property?

If you've noticed that a Short Term Renter or a Short Term Rental property owners is violating a By-law or regulation, please let us know.