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Lodging House Bylaw Review

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This project is now complete. Council approved the updated Lodging House Bylaw on Aug. 27, 2024. For more information, please visit kitchener.ca/housing


We are reviewing our licensing bylaws to improve resident health and safety, consumer protection, and nuisance control. The City of Kitchener currently licenses Lodging Houses otherwise known as rooming houses. We do not currently license short-term accommodation or property rentals.

As part of this review, we are updating the existing Lodging House bylaw. We are also considering expanding the bylaw to license other types of rental properties, specifically short-term rentals. This could include licensing rentals of:

  • accommodations (examples: AirBnb or VRBO)
  • accessory units (such a tiny homes or sheds)
  • driveways or parking spots
  • pools or backyards

As part of this review, we want to hear from:

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

Help us understand:

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

Please note that we are not considering a comprehensive rental bylaw at this time. If you answer a survey, you will be asked to share whether there is community interest or need to explore this option in the future.

Background

As part of our regular program of reviewing and updating our bylaws, we are updating our Lodging House bylaw. The current review will consider Kitchener’s Housing for All strategy for making housing across Kitchener more affordable. It will also consider the findings of the Lower Doon Secondary Plan Study, which recommended reducing the minimum distance separation between lodging houses in Kitchener.

Stay Informed

We anticipate presenting our final report in 2024. Please subscribe to stay informed by clicking the Subscribe button in the top right-hand corner.



We are reviewing our licensing bylaws to improve resident health and safety, consumer protection, and nuisance control. The City of Kitchener currently licenses Lodging Houses otherwise known as rooming houses. We do not currently license short-term accommodation or property rentals.

As part of this review, we are updating the existing Lodging House bylaw. We are also considering expanding the bylaw to license other types of rental properties, specifically short-term rentals. This could include licensing rentals of:

  • accommodations (examples: AirBnb or VRBO)
  • accessory units (such a tiny homes or sheds)
  • driveways or parking spots
  • pools or backyards

As part of this review, we want to hear from:

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

Help us understand:

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

Please note that we are not considering a comprehensive rental bylaw at this time. If you answer a survey, you will be asked to share whether there is community interest or need to explore this option in the future.

Background

As part of our regular program of reviewing and updating our bylaws, we are updating our Lodging House bylaw. The current review will consider Kitchener’s Housing for All strategy for making housing across Kitchener more affordable. It will also consider the findings of the Lower Doon Secondary Plan Study, which recommended reducing the minimum distance separation between lodging houses in Kitchener.

Stay Informed

We anticipate presenting our final report in 2024. Please subscribe to stay informed by clicking the Subscribe button in the top right-hand corner.



This project is now complete. Council approved the updated Lodging House Bylaw on Aug. 27, 2024. For more information, please visit kitchener.ca/housing

  • Lodging House Bylaw approved, new Short-Term Rental Bylaw coming

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    Thank you to everyone who contributed to the survey or the conversations with staff over the past year. This project is now complete, as Council approved the updated Lodging House Bylaw on Aug. 27, 2024.

    We are not moving forward with an integrated Share Accommodation Bylaw as was initially suggested. Instead, staff are developing a new short-term rental bylaw to propose to Council, unrelated to the existing Lodging House Bylaw.

    An engagement process is now underway to inform that new bylaw. To learn more or contribute, please visit engagewr.ca/ShortTermRentals

  • Council approves Lodging House By-law

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    On Monday, Aug. 26, 2024 Council approved a by-law permitting lodging houses city-wide. This new bylaw aims to improve public safety, consumer protection, and nuisance control while also reducing barriers for property owners. Key changes include more robust licensing requirements and enhanced property maintenance measures. Another key change is enhanced safety measures including:

    • mandatory inspections
    • advertising requirements
    • implementation of a Lodging House Handbook a
    • implementation of a ‘Dedicated Responsible Person’

    Licensing fees have also been reduced and a public application portal will be made available for applicants. Currently, there are only 15 licensed lodging Houses in Kitchener, but staff estimate there are approximately 150-300 unlicensed lodging houses operating in the City.

    For more information, please visit kitchener.ca/housing

    A report on the short-term rentals by-law will be presented to Council at a later date. Please subscribe for updates to get project updates. Add your email to the Stay Informed box and click 'Subscribe'.

  • Report on lodging house bylaw goes to Council Aug. 12

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    Thank you to all who took part in our survey last year. We are now bringing a report to Council with recommendations for the lodging house bylaw. The report on the short-term rentals by-law will at a later date.

    We expect to present our report at the Finance and Corporate Committee meeting on Monday, Aug. 12, 2024 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

    To see the agenda and report, visit calendar.kitchener.ca/council

    You can also watch live on the day of the meeting by going to kitchener.ca/watchnow


  • Council amends Official Plan and Zoning By-law to permit lodging houses city-wide

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    Council approved amendments to the City’s Official Plan and Zoning By-Law to permit lodging houses city-wide in all residential zones and has forwarded the decision to the Region of Waterloo for further approval. These amendments will complement a lodging house by-law when it returns to Council later this summer.

  • Report going to Council June 3

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    Thank you to everyone who answered our survey and sent us your comments.

    We expect to present our report to the Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee taking place Monday, June 3, from 5:30 to 7:30p.m. at Kitchener City Hall, Council Chambers (200 King St. West). You can also watch live on the day of the meeting by going to kitchener.ca/watchnow

    The agenda and staff report are now available at calendar.kitchener.ca/council

    If you would like to speak to the committee during this meeting, please register as a delegation.