The City of Kawartha Lakes is continuing a “soft rollout” of its new short-term rental by-law and licensing program by launching a business license application form.
License fees range from $150 to $1,500 depending on the duration and type of licence (hosted or un-hosted short-term rentals). Hosted short-term rentals are those where the owner resides at the property while it is being used as a short-term rental accommodation, while un-hosted means the owner is not residing at the property while it is being used as a short-term rental accommodation.
The license fee for a six-month period (May to October or November to April) is $150 for hosted short-term rentals and $750 for un-hosted short-term rentals. The year-round fee is $300 for hosted short-term rentals or $1,500 for un-hosted short-term rentals. The fee must be paid prior to agency approval and is non-refundable.
Owners of short-term rental properties can either either apply for a license online and pay by credit card, or download a printable version that can be taken to the Municipal Law Enforcement and Licensing office in Lindsay and pay in person or by cheque.
For both the online and printable application form, applicants must supply all required supporting documents for the short-term rental property being registered, including proof of ownership, a copy of the property owner’s driver’s license, proof of insurance, and a detailed site diagram.
Along with the business license application form, the City of Kawartha Lakes has also updated supplementary documents including information sheets for renters and property owners and for resident and property owner complaints. Short-term rental owners are being asked to post both documents at the short-term rental property.for renters and visitors to read upon arrival.
The soft rollout of Kawartha Lakes short-term rental by-law began in June after city council passed the new by-law, with full implementation expected in 2024. The municipality is currently working to have a new 24/7 complaint hotline set up by October.
For more information, to apply online, or to download a copy of the print application, visit www.kawarthalakes.ca/en/things-to-do/short-term-rentals.aspx.
Questions can also be directed to the Municipal Law Enforcement and Licensing office by calling 705-324-9411 extension 1238 or emailing str@kawarthalakes.ca.
