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Home > City Hall > Departments > By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services > Short Term Rentals > Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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​What are short-term rentals?

 
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 days) for a fee. Businesses, such as Airbnb and Expedia, offer a service where individuals can advertise and book their short-term rental.
 

Who is required to have a short-term licence in Vaughan?

  • Vaughan homeowners and tenants/lessees who plan to operate a short-term rental in their principal residence.
  • Businesses, such as Airbnb and Expedia, that offer a service where individuals can advertise and book their short-term rental.
 

Where in Vaughan are short-term rentals allowed?

As of Jan. 1, 2020, short-term rentals are allowed in residential dwelling units, including single detached, semi-detached, townhouses, condominiums/apartments and secondary suites in a single detached dwelling, that is the homeowner’s or tenant/lessee’s principal residence, provided that a licence is obtained. 

Why are short-term rentals licensed?

The Short-term Rental Licensing By-law 158-2019 (PDF) came into effect on Jan. 1, 2020 to help regulate and provide access to accommodations that are safe for the public.
 

Can I advertise and operate a short-term rental in my home in Vaughan?

Yes, as of Jan. 1, 2020, Vaughan residents can obtain a licence to rent out their principal residence, or part of their principal residence, for short periods of time (not more than 29 consecutive days). According to the Short-term Rental Licensing By-law 158-2019 (PDF), homeowners are considered owners, and businesses, such as Airbnb and Expedia, that offer a service where individuals can advertise and book their short-term rental are considered brokerages. Both are required to obtain the appropriate licence.
 

When can I obtain a licence to have a short-term rental?

Applications for a licence can be submitted starting on Jan. 2, 2020. Application forms and user guides are available online and at the By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services counter at Vaughan City Hall. To obtain a licence, a homeowner or tenant/lessee or brokerage will be required to submit an application form with the required supporting documents and the licensing fee.  

How long does it take to process an application for a short-term rental licence?

Processing times can vary based on the information provided in the application form. Each application is reviewed to ensure the applicant meets the requirements of the Short-term Rental Licensing By-law 158-2019 (PDF).  

Can I fill out and submit the licence application form online?

At this time, the forms must be printed and submitted in-person to the By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services counter located on the first level at Vaughan City Hall. The counter is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., except for statutory holidays. 

How much does a short-term rental licence cost?

Please refer to By-law 157-2019 for licence and renewal fees. The licence must be renewed annually as long as the short-term rental is in operation.  

If I operate a short-term rental, does the Municipal Accommodation Tax apply?

The introduction of a Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) was approved by Council in January 2019, and collection for hotels, lodges, bed and breakfasts and motels came into effect on April 1, 2019. The MAT Short-term Rental By-law 183-2019 (PDF) was approved by Council in December 2019. This by-law applies the MAT to all short-term rental stays and collection comes into effect on April 1, 2020. To learn more, visit vaughan.ca/mat.
 

Do I need to make renovations to my home in order to operate a short-term rental?

It depends on your specific situation. To maintain a level of life safety for you and your guests, the Province of Ontario, through the Building Code, establishes minimum construction standards for your dwelling unit. In general, existing homes that are compliant with the Building Code and Zoning By-law may not require renovations or additional construction.
 
 
If you are making renovations, such as finishing unfinished space or adding bedrooms, in order to rent out the space, residents should contact Vaughan’s Building Standards department to discuss.
 
In cases where renovations may be necessary to bring your dwelling unit into compliance, or for further clarification, residents should contact Vaughan’s Building Standards department to discuss.
 

Are there any fire safety regulations I have to follow in order to operate a short-term rental in my home?

 
All existing homes in Ontario, regardless if they are a short-term rental or not, are subject to the Ontario Fire Code, which states:
 
  • Smoke alarms must be installed on all levels of the home, outside all sleeping areas, between the sleeping area and the remainder of the home, and maintained in operating condition in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • If the home has a fuel burning appliance or fireplace or connected garage, carbon monoxide alarms must be installed adjacent to each sleeping area, and maintained in operating condition in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
 

What do I do if I have an issue with my neighbour’s short-term rental?

Please contact Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 to submit a complaint. The matter will be directed to the City’s By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services department for investigation.

What about issues of excessive garbage, vehicles parked on the street, expansion of driveways and general property conditions?

All properties within the city of Vaughan are subject to the minimum standards established by the City’s Property Standards By-law 231-2011 (PDF), which manages and controls the way properties are maintained and used in the city of Vaughan. The purpose of this by-law is to set out standards for properties, so they are not an eyesore or nuisance to neighbours or affect the enjoyment of one’s own property. Properties are also subject to the Parking By-law 064-2019 (PDF) and Noise By-law 062-2018 (PDF), as amended, and all other applicable laws. Please call Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 for more information or to file a formal complaint.

Did the City of Vaughan consult residents about short-term rentals?

The City of Vaughan undertook an extensive review of the impacts of short-term rentals, including the commonly reported challenges, opportunities, benefits and best practices.
 
The feedback received through the public consultation process, which took place from November 2018 to March 2019, was presented to Council at the Finance, Administration and Audit Committee Meeting on May 6, 2019. The report was adopted without amendment at the Council Meeting on May 14, 2019.
 
A Public Hearing was held on Sept. 17, 2019 (PDF) to receive public input on the proposed amendment(s) to the Zoning By-law 1-88 as it relates to short-term rental accommodations. A report to Council regarding the proposed amendments of the Zoning By-law relating to short-term rentals was presented at the Committee of the Whole (1) Meeting on Nov. 5, 2019. The final licensing framework by-law was adopted without amendment at the Council Meeting on Nov. 19, 2019.
  
How will the revenue collected as part of the Municipal Accommodation Tax be spent?
 
In communities such as Vaughan where a destination marketing organization does not exist, the transient accommodation tax under the Municipal Act, 2001 requires municipalities that choose to implement a transient accommodation tax to share a portion of their revenues from the tax with an “eligible tourism entity.” In Vaughan, 50 per cent of income collected from MAT will be used to fund destination marketing in the City. The remaining 50 per cent will be used for city-building initiatives.

 

 Contact Information

 
Phone: 905-832-2281
 
Email: bylaw@vaughan.ca
 
Location:
Vaughan City Hall
2141 Major Mackenzie Dr.
Vaughan, ON  L6A 1T1​​​
 

 Related Links

 
  • Apply for a Licence
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Municipal Accomodation Tax
  • Short-term Rental Licensing By-law 158-2019 (PDF)
  • Short-term Rental Licensing Fee By-law 157-2019 (PDF)
  • Municipal Accommodation Tax Short-term Rental By-law 183-2019 (PDF)
 

 Additional Resources

 
  • Building Standards
  • By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services
  • Economic and Cultural Development
  • Municipal Accommodation Tax
  • Policy Planning and Environmental Sustainability
  • Secondary Suites
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