Short term rentals in Kawartha Lakes are the perfect way for tourists and residents to enjoy what the City has to offer. However, when renting a short term rental (STR), it’s necessary to keep in mind the By-law regulations and other regulations. The following is a complete guideline for Kawartha Lake’s short term rental regulations so that anyone can be a responsible host when using platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, and other similar services. This rundown should give you a good start in understanding your local laws.
Kawartha Lakes defines short term rentals as guest stays of 30 days or less in rental accommodation. Short term rentals could be renting a private room, an entire home, a seasonal property such as a cottage, or any other space. STRs do not include establishments such as bed & breakfasts, hotels, trailer parks, and campgrounds.
By-Law Inspection Fees
Owners of short term rental properties should be active hosts in ensuring that their rental occupants have an outstanding stay in Kawartha Lakes, simultaneously maintaining the peace and tranquillity of the neighbourhood.
Short term rental operators shall be held accountable for the actions of their guests. If a Municipal By-Law is broken, the individuals who violated the regulation will be charged with By-law fines. Moreover, the City will charge inspection fees to the property owner.
| Occurrence | Fee |
| First Occurrence | No Cost |
| Second Occurrence | $112 |
| Third Occurrence | $225 |
| Fourth Occurrence | $445 |
| Fifth Occurrence | $894 |
| Sixth Occurrence | Fees Double |
Short Term Rental Laws
Fire Pit and Open Air Burns
Lighting bonfires are a fun part of the cottage experience, but they can also be dangerous. If the weather conditions make fires unsafe, the Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Service implements a ‘Burn Ban.’ Before doing any open-air burning, STR occupants must check the Fire Burn Bans, Permits, and By-Laws page to see the current Burn Ban status as well as other relevant rules and regulations.
The following are some rules STR operators must keep in mind:
- Fire pits must be no more than 60 cm in diameter. In addition, they must be at least 15 meters away from structures and 5 meters away from property lines.
- Fire pits may not be located beneath any vegetation, such as trees or porches, or under any overhangs.
- Fire pits must be attended at all times.
- Water must be readily available to extinguish and fires.
- Smoke must not disturb neighbours or neighbouring premises.
Waste & Recycling
In order to keep the community and rivers clean, STR occupants must ensure they dispose of garbage in clear bags. They should separate fibre and container recyclables. View the Waste & Recycling page to learn more about proper waste disposal and waste collection days and to view the Municipal Waste Calendar.
Parking
To ensure homeowners, visitors, and emergency vehicles have access to properties, roadways and road access must be kept clear for everyone’s safety.
Parking should take place solely on the property one is visiting. STR occupants must ensure they park vehicles legally on roadways and the correct property. Visit the Roads and Parking page for more information.
Noise
The Municipal By-law Enforcement and the local police department handle noise complaints in the City. STR occupants must follow the noise By-laws below to ensure that they are respecting their neighbours:
- All amplified noise, such as stereos, is prohibited from 11 p.m. to 11 a.m.
- From 9 p.m. to 7 a.m., yelling, shouting, and playing musical instruments are prohibited.
- Any pets that make persistent noises, such as a dog barking, are prohibited at all times.
Pets
If short term rental occupants bring their dogs along to their property, they must ensure that their dogs are under care and control at all times. Furthermore, STR occupants must make sure the dogs don’t wander onto neighbouring properties.
Fireworks
As part of the Fireworks By-Law, guests will not need a permit to use consumer fireworks on the following days, or the day before or after:
- New Year’s Eve
- Labour Day
- Family Day
- Canada Day
- Indigenous Peoples Day
- Victoria Day
While using consumer fireworks, the following rules must be followed:
- Children must not use fireworks.
- Firework users must not discharge fireworks into any vehicle, structure, or building. Moreover, they must be at least 30 meters away from any structure or property line.
- During a burn ban, the use of fireworks is prohibited.
Visit the Fire Services page to view the full By-law, apply for a firework permit, or view essential guidelines on fireworks safety.
Property Standards
The Property Standards By-law focuses on the property’s maintenance and occupation in the municipality.
Visit the By-laws page to review the Property Standards By-law.
Other Regulations
As a responsible host, you must comprehend and abide by other vacation rental rules and regulations that bind you. These include leases, community rules, HOA rules, or other guidelines set up by tenant associations. Feel free to reach out to your landlord, housing authority, or community council to find out more. To get more information about other short term rental regulations, you can also visit Kawartha Lakes’ official website or contact us.