Short term rentals
Short-term rentals are allowed in residential homes in Vaughan – that is the homeowner’s or tenant/lessee’s principal residence – provided that a licence is obtained. Short-term rentals are generally understood to be when individuals rent out their residence, or part of their residence, for short periods of time (not more than 29 consecutive nights) for a fee.
About the Short-Term Rental Licensing By-law
As per the Short-Term Rentals Licensing By-law:
- homeowners or tenants/lessees can apply for a Short-Term Rental (STR) Owner licence.
- businesses, such as Airbnb and Expedia, that offer a service where individuals can advertise and book their short-term rental, are considered STR Brokerages.
- both STR Owners and Brokerages are required to obtain a licence.
About Municipal Accommodation Tax
A Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) applies to all short-term rental stays. STR owners and STR brokerages who collect payment on behalf of owners, must charge MAT, four per cent on the cost of rented accommodations, and remit that to the City of Vaughan.
Effective October 27, 2025, after an STR Owner or STR Brokerage is issued a licence, he or she will be automatically registered for MAT, and will receive an email which explains how to remit MAT tax to the City. To learn more about the MAT, visit vaughan.ca/mat.
Applying for a Short-Term Rental Licence
To apply for a licence, owners and brokerages must submit an application with the required supporting documents and licensing fee. Go to the Apply for a licence page linked below to get started.
Fees
| Licence | 2025 | 2026 | ||
Initial | Renewal | Initial | Renewal | |
| Short-Term Rental Owner | $206 | $175 | $213 | $181 |
| Short-Term Rental broker - up to 10 properties | $345 | $289 | $356 | $298 |
| Short-Term Rental broker - 11 to 50 properties | $685 | $577 | $706 | $595 |
| Short-Term Rental broker - 51 to 100 properties | $3,356 | $2,880 | $3,457 | $2,967 |
| Short-Term Rental broker- more than 100 properties | $6,837 | $5,760 | $7,043 | $5,933 |