Short-term Rentals

What is involved in getting an STR Licence?

• Application & Payment;
• STR Premises inspection; and
• Premises documents inspection including licence, codes of conduct and by-laws.

How long will it take to be approved?

Expected timeline to receive a licence is 3 to 6 weeks, but this time may vary based on compliance history, document review, volume of applications, and enforcement.

What will be done with properties that are renting now without a licence?

They can continue to operate however they will be required to register for a new licence.

What happens if I don’t apply for a licence when one is required after Jan. 1, 2022?

You can submit an application any time after January 1, 2022, and you must submit one within 30 days of receiving a letter from the Township.

What if a current property is being rented that may not qualify for an STR Licence?

• The property will not be able to continue to operate unless an appeal is made to Council.
• If the building does not conform to the Township's Zoning or Development Permit by-law, the applicant/owner(s) will need to make an appointment with Planning Services.

Are all properties allowed to have an STR on them?

• Properties that are zoned according to By-law 2021-076 & 2021-077, which is an amendment to Comprehensive Zoning By-law 2004-181, are permitted to have an STR licence.
• A property must allow for the required setback to the side and rear lot line, according to By-law 2012-077, which is an amendment to Development Permit By-law 2004-180. Zones are also outlined in an amendment to the Development Permit by-law.

Even if a property is rented that doesn’t require a licence, will by-laws still be enforced?

Yes, the by-laws that apply to a person’s behaviour or a property’s maintenance are still enforced across the Township regardless of the presence of an STR Licence.

Is there a maximum number of STR licences allowed by one person or entity?

No

How do you determine the classification of STRs? 

Determine what Licence Class your Short Term Rental is by using the STR Licence Class Tool. Simply answer a few questions about your short-term rental and the tool will assign a class based on the chart below.

STR Licence Class Tool

If you don’t meet ALL criteria of a lower class, you are automatically bumped to a higher class. 

What if you don’t agree with the Township's decision on your STR Class?

Contact Corporate Services and request to appear as a delegation to Council, providing a written statement to the Township with your request and reasons for the appeal.

In the application, what is “Access to STR Premises” referring to?

• Staff will request that the applicant checks off on what classification of road leads to the STR premises for emergency services. If the applicant does not know this, the address of the STR will be reviewed by the Township’s Public Works department based on Township’s road map.

Is there a screening process of the person(s) or company applying for an STR Licence?

• The screening that is completed is for any previous violations or compliance history related to an STR applicant(s), or an STR premises that may be applying for a licence.
• Staff will review the property in relation to applicable Township by-laws (i.e., zoning and provisions).

How is a violation determined under an STR Licence?

A violation is determined only after evidence has been provided and that evidence supports a confirmed violation (along with any additional compliance review).

Can complaints qualify as a violation against an STR Licence?

No, complaints on their own without support cannot qualify as a violation against an STR.

Can a renter’s violation be held against the STR owner?

Yes, if a violation is confirmed, it will be applied against the STR owner’s licence. This is identified with the “Renter’s Code of Conduct” found in the STR By-law.

Who will be determining if an STR premises and licence are compliant/in violation?

The STR Coordinator along with Township staff with receive and process STR applications. 

The Township's By-law Enforcement Officer will enforce by-law violations and any outstanding STR violations.

How many demerit points or confirmed violations are allowed before an STR licence is suspended or revoked?

• STR Licence is suspended when three (3) demerit points or confirmed violations are determined within one (1) year.
• STR Licence is revoked when one (1) additional demerit point or confirmed violation is received within one (1) year of the licence suspension date. 

How do I make a request for an appeal to the Township about my STR?

• One must make the request to the Township of Lake of Bays so that it arrives within fifteen (15) days after being served with a decision, order, suspension, or revocation by:

a) Sending a notice of appeal, setting forth the reasons for the appeal, by registered mail to the Township Clerk; or

b) In Person to the Township Clerk to set forth reasons for the appeal and to request an appeal date; and

c) Remitting payment of the Order Appeal Fee as provided in the Fees & Charges By-law (Fee refunded if order rescinded)

• Upon receipt of the appeal, the Township Clerk will review the appeal request.  Upon the merit of the appeal request, the matter may be resolved with Staff and the requestor, or the appeal may be included on the next available Council Agenda.
• If the appeal is to be heard by Council, the applicant/requestor will be notified by the Township Clerk of the date and time when the appeal will be heard.  Notification will be sent to the mailing address or email provided, or last known mailing address or email for the STR Premises that was identified within the request for an appeal.

What types of appeals are available under the STR Program?

• Denial of an STR Licence Application – person(s) wishes to appeal the decision of staff to deny an application that was submitted to Township staff.
• Order Issued to STR Premises – person(s) wishes to appeal either the timelines or remedy required under an Order issued to an STR Premises.
• Suspension of an STR Licence – Licence holder(s) wishes to appeal the suspension of a licence based on demerit points or confirmed violations against the property/owner(s).
• Revocation of an STR Licence – Licence holder(s) wishes to appeal the revocation of a licence based on demerit points or confirmed violations against the property/owner(s).