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Short-Term Rental Bylaw

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We are considering options for licensing properties used as short-term rentals. This may include platforms such as AirBnb and VRBO. The bylaw would aim to balance the interests of residents, property owners, and the broader community. Licensing and regulating rental properties protects the public interest as it relates to: consumer protection, health and safety, and nuisance control

We want to hear from:

  • landlords and property owners
  • tenants and renters
  • neighbours and residents

Help us understand:

  • your experiences with short-term rentals
  • the impact that short-term rentals have on our community
  • how expanded licensing might affect both property owners and renters

Your feedback will help inform the new bylaw regulations that are adopted for licensing short-term rentals in our community.

Definition of Short-Term Rentals

Short-Term Rentals generally include:

  • a rental of any residential home or accessory building or part thereof
  • used to provide sleeping accommodations
  • for any rental period of up to 28-30 consecutive days
  • in exchange for rent

They do not include Hotel, Lodging House, Motel, or Long-Term Rental Accommodations.

Stay informed

Subscribe for updates about this project. Add your email to the Stay Informed box on this page then click ‘Subscribe’.


We are considering options for licensing properties used as short-term rentals. This may include platforms such as AirBnb and VRBO. The bylaw would aim to balance the interests of residents, property owners, and the broader community. Licensing and regulating rental properties protects the public interest as it relates to: consumer protection, health and safety, and nuisance control

We want to hear from:

  • landlords and property owners
  • tenants and renters
  • neighbours and residents

Help us understand:

  • your experiences with short-term rentals
  • the impact that short-term rentals have on our community
  • how expanded licensing might affect both property owners and renters

Your feedback will help inform the new bylaw regulations that are adopted for licensing short-term rentals in our community.

Definition of Short-Term Rentals

Short-Term Rentals generally include:

  • a rental of any residential home or accessory building or part thereof
  • used to provide sleeping accommodations
  • for any rental period of up to 28-30 consecutive days
  • in exchange for rent

They do not include Hotel, Lodging House, Motel, or Long-Term Rental Accommodations.

Stay informed

Subscribe for updates about this project. Add your email to the Stay Informed box on this page then click ‘Subscribe’.


  • How to contribute

    Share How to contribute on Facebook Share How to contribute on Twitter Share How to contribute on Linkedin Email How to contribute link

    Survey open until Dec. 6

    Share your experiences, thoughts and opinions with us regarding short-term rentals in Kitchener. Your feedback will help to inform which licensing requirements will be included in the new bylaw.

    Answer the survey


    Join us at an upcoming information session

    The City of Kitchener and the City of Waterloo are co-hosting two upcoming in-person information sessions on:

    • Monday, Nov. 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. at WMRC Pavilion, Meeting Hall (101 Father David Bauer Drive, Entrance C)
    • Wednesday, Nov. 27 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Kitchener City Hall, Conestoga Room (200 King Street West)

    Learn more and share your feedback on the current licensing framework, the challenges and opportunities short-term rentals offer, and different licensing options. Each session will include a brief presentation from each municipality. A Policy Manager from AirBnB will also attend virtually.

    Free to attend, but space is limited. Please register in advance



Page last updated: 08 Nov 2024, 01:07 PM