The Town of Huntsville initiated its Short Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) program to ensure all rentals operate safely. The program also makes sure that all rentals comply with the Ontario Building Code and Fire Protection Standards. The following is a complete guideline for Huntsville’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.
Short term rentals in the Town of Huntsville are guest stays in a dwelling unit for periods of 28 days or less. Residents and property owners who wish to rent out entire units or rooms as STRs must obtain a Short Term Rental License.
Short Term Rental License Application
Before applying for a license, applicants must review the Town of Huntsville By-law to familiarize themselves with the regulations pertaining to STRs. Then, applicants must fill out, sign, and submit the application through the online application form to apply for a new license. During the online application, applicants must provide the following information:
- Proof of ownership of the property.
- Information of the property.
- Information on the management of the property.
- Proof that the applicant is over the age of eighteen.
- Insurance Certificate (Highlight Rental Cause within Policy).
- Links to the property’s online listings (e.g. HomeAway or Airbnb).
- Plan of Waste Disposal.
- Drawings of the site, including floor plans of the unit (with exits to be identified), site plan drawing, and the fire plan.
A Short Term Rental License fee is $250 for a Primary Residence and $500 for a Secondary Residence.
Resources for the Application Process
- Site Plan: A site plan must include the location of all buildings on the property, parking locations, and any site amenities such as fire pits, docks, and other structures. View a Sample.
- Floor Plan: A floor plan must show the rented portions of the units and the use of each room. It must also show the location of all exits and exterior decks. View a Sample.
- Fire Plan: Exits, extinguishers, and smoke detectors should be marked on the fire plan. View a Sample.
- Waste Disposal Plan: The Municipality requires that an application provides the renters with instructions on how to dispose of rubbish waste during and after each stay. Applicants must write whether there is a set garbage pick-up day at the property, if the property management company is responsible for waste disposal, or if the renters must carry their garbage with them when vacating the property as part of the application process.
- Municipal Accommodation Tax Return Form: The Town will send a short term municipal tax return form to the email address the applicants specify. Request a MAT Return Form.
License Review/Issuance
Once applicants apply for a license, the staff will review the information provided in light of Municipal and Provincial regulations to ensure compliance. The town will notify the applicant through email if the application is missing information or does not comply with a regulation or by-law. Applicants will be given a chance to resubmit their application or provide any missing documentation.
If the application is confirmed to be in compliance, the Town will notify the applicant that a site inspection is necessary and must be scheduled with the Department.
However, if a license is denied, the applicant will be notified and sent the reasons for the denial.
Site Inspection
After submitting the application, the applicant will have to schedule a site visit with the STRA department. At the arranged date and time, an inspector will visit the location to verify that the unit is in compliance with the submitted documents.
During the site inspection, the inspector will check the following items:
- The number of bedrooms and sleeping areas.
- Fire safety equipment such as fire extinguishers and smoke alarms.
- Exiting requirements.
- Parking locations.
- Waste disposal.
- The building’s general condition and upkeep.
Renew an Existing License
For license renewal, applicants will need to provide the following information:
- Proof of ownership.
- STRA license number.
- Information on the management of the property.
- Insurance Certificate (with rental clause highlighted).
- Links to the property’s online listing.
- The number of bedrooms and sleeping areas.
- The number of occupants.
Appeal Process
The Municipality shall notify the applicant if they have rejected a license, a license renewal, or have suspended or revoked a license. The notification shall include the explanation for the decision as well as information about the ability to appeal to the Licensing Committee.
The applicant/licensee has 14 days from the issuance of the notice to appeal to the Municipal Clerk.
A Licensing Committee hearing will be scheduled through the Clerk’s Office, and staff and the applicant/licensee will have the opportunity to speak on the matter.
The Licensing Committee’s decisions are final, and no appeals shall be made.
The Committee will notify the applicant/licensee in writing within 14 days of their decision.
Other Short Term Rental 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 Huntsville’s official website or contact us.