A “Short-Term Rental” means temporary accommodation in all or part of a Dwelling that is provided for thirty (30) consecutive days or less in exchange for payment or service.
This amendment to the Business Licensing By-law was passed by Council on October 24, 2023. The Bylaw came into force and effect December 1, 2023, which means all short-term rental providers will be required to have a licence to operate in Guelph. You can check back here for updates as more information is made available.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I Have to Live in the City of Guelph to Have a Short-Term Rental?
- Yes, you must own and reside at your principal residence in the City of Guelph
2. Does the Short-Term Rental Have to Be in My Own Home?
- No, the Short-term Rental can either be located at your Principal Residence, Principal Additional Residence or your Additional Residence.
3. Can I Provide Another Unit on the Same Property as a Short-Term Rental?
- In most cases you are permitted to use one other dwelling unit as Short-term Rental, but the unit must be legally established and on the same property as your resident address. Therefore, you may be able to have up to two Short-term Rentals registered under your name, at the same address.
4. Can I Apply for a Licence if I Am a Corporation?
- No
5. What Documentation Is Required for My Application?
- You will be required to complete the online application and include the following documents:
- Floor plan
- Government issued ID
- Proof of Principal Residence Ownership
- Proof of Short-term Rental Ownership
- Proof of General Liability Insurance
- Criminal records and judicial matters check
- A copy of your guest information package and Fire Plan
6. Can I Have a Short-Term Rental at a Condominium?
- Yes. In addition to the other supporting documents, you will also be required to provide a letter of permission from the condominium corporation.
7. Will My Short-Term Rental Be Inspected?
- Yes, as part of the application process each Short-term Rental may be subject to inspections by Building, Fire Bylaw, Zoning or other City staff. Additionally, inspections may be required while the Short-term Rental is operating if complaints are received.
8. How Much Are the Short-Term Rental Licensing Fees?
Licensing Fees are outlined in the User Fee Bylaw
9. What Happens if I Don’t Apply for a Licence, or Operate a Short-Term Rental Without a Licence?
a. Individuals advertising and/or operating a short-term rental in Guelph without a licence may be issued a $615 fine for Operating without a licence.
b. There are several other fines hosts may face should they operate a short-term rental in contravention of City bylaws.
10. Are Bed and Breakfast Establishments Considered Short-Term Rental?
- a. No, bed and breakfast establishments are not considered a short-term rental and are licensed under a different category.
11. How Do I Make a Complaint About a Short-Term Rental?
- To make a complaint about a Short-term Rental, please contact licensing staff at 519-822-1260 extension 2551 or [email protected].
12. Was There Public Consultation Before Passing This Bylaw?
- In February 2022, Council directed staff to engage key audiences and the public to develop a short-term rental category and regulations under the City’s Business Licence By-law (2009)-18855.
- An extensive public engagement process began and included the establishment of a short-term rental working group, online public survey, public town halls and open office hours.
- Consideration of principal and non-principal residence licensing requirements were included in the engagement process and staff presented their final report to Council with recommendations on the regulations of licensing short-term rentals on March 7, 2023. Learn more about the engagement process on haveyoursay.guelph.ca.
Staff Reports
Business Licensing- Short-term Rental Accommodations, 2023-70
Resources
For More Information
Licensing
519-822-1260 extension 2551
[email protected]