About short-term rentals
Do you want to rent out your home or a room for less than 90 days at a time? You need a short-term rental business licence. Our rules protect long-term housing and let residents earn extra money. Operating without a licence can lead to fines under the Business Licensing By-law 2021-033. Short-term rentals are regulated under the Planning Act and the Municipal Act, 2001.
Who can apply
To get a licence, you must meet these conditions:
- Your property is your principal residence (where you live, pay bills, and get mail).
- You own the home or are a long-term tenant with written permission from your landlord.
- You are renting the whole home or just a room for 90 consecutive days or less.
You cannot rent out accessory buildings like garages or studios. You also cannot hold more than one licence per person. If your building has a strata corporation, you must get written approval before applying.
Safety requirements
Your rental must be a legal dwelling unit. Before you apply, please make sure you have:
- Interconnected smoke alarms on every floor and in every bedroom.
- Carbon monoxide detectors on every floor if you use gas appliances.
- A working fire extinguisher on every floor.
- A posted fire evacuation plan at all entrances and exits.
- Building and fire insurance that covers short-term rentals.
You will need to keep records of all safety inspections and tests. City by-law officers may visit your home to check compliance at reasonable hours.
How to apply
Follow these steps to get your licence through the Wrenford Business Portal:
- Check your eligibility. Make sure you meet the rules above.
- Get approvals. If you rent your home, get a signed letter from your landlord. If your property is part of a strata, get written consent from the strata council.
- Submit your application. Log in to the portal and fill out the form. Upload your government-issued photo ID and approval letters.
- Pay your fees. We will send an invoice once your application is reviewed.
We usually process applications within five business days. We may contact you to verify details or ask for a safety inspection.
Operating your rental
Once you have your licence, you must follow these rules:
- Display your licence number. Put it in all online ads and listings. Post a paper copy inside the rental unit.
- Manage guests carefully. Only allow one booking at a time. Make sure guests follow noise, parking, and garbage rules.
- Renew on time. Renew your licence every year by December 31. Update your listings with the new number.
Fees
- Application fee: $150.00 (non-refundable)
- Annual licence fee: $950.00
- Late renewal fee: $125.00
Fees are prorated in your first year based on your start date.
Report a violation
If you see a short-term rental that is not licensed, is unsafe, or is causing a nuisance, please report it. We investigate complaints and work with operators to fix issues. If problems continue, we can issue fines or suspend licences under the Business Licensing By-law 2021-033.
Contact us
Need help or have questions? Reach out to the Business Licences team.
- Phone: 519-555-0100
- Email: [email protected]
- In person: Room 206, Wrenford City Hall, 100 Mercer Street, Wrenford, ON N4Q 1A1