Short-Term Rentals for Renters
Short-Term Rental licences are non-transferrable.
There is currently a moratorium on accepting new Short-Term Rental applications as a result of Town Council's review of land use controls pertaining to Short-Term Rentals. This work is expected to be completed in Spring of 2023. For more information on the Land Use Study, please click here.
The number of Short-Term Rental licences issued shall be limited to 250 in any given year with 2022 licence holders being provided the first opportunity to renew a licence by March 31, 2023, provided the licence holder has complied with all rules (meaning 5 demerit points or less) during the previous year. Please refer to the Short-Term Rental By-law for further details.
2023 Short-Term Rental Program
Short-Term Rentals for Renters
As a short-term guest, you are responsible for knowing and abiding by all municipal bylaws during your stay in Fort Erie. Most bylaws are in line with many other municipalities; however, some details of the bylaws may be different. Please take a minute to review the bylaws below as well as reference our FAQs to further better understand our Short-Term Rental program. A list of registered Short-Term Rental properties is available and is updated regularly.
Noise and Nuisance
As a Short-Term Rental guest, it is important to be respectful and mindful of surrounding residents. The Town’s noise and nuisance bylaw is used to address complaints from local residents about neighbourhood disruptions such as loud music, shouting, dogs barking or feeding wild animals. There is no specific time when noise is prohibited.
Open-air Burning
Fort Erie Fire Services regulates an open-air burning bylaw in Fort Erie. Sometimes hot, dry weather will result in a burn ban. During that time, absolutely no open-air burning will be allowed including open-air burning from permit holders. If an open-air burning ban is in place, the Town will promote it on its website and through social media.
Waste Collection and Recycling
Similar to your hometown, Fort Erie has a regular waste and recycling collection schedule. Please speak to your Short-Term Rental operator for the collection day schedule for your rental property. Alternatively, you can enter the property’s address visit at the Niagara Region’s waste and recycle webpage to find out more information.
Property Standards
For the safety of our renters, the Short-Term Rental By-law enforces the maintenance of both land and buildings within the Town of Fort Erie. In addition to dealing with garbage and debris, the property standards by-law also regulates the condition of buildings, such as structural soundness. If you have concerns about the building's condition, please contact Town Hall and speak to staff directly.
Parking Guidelines
Parking will be different depending on where you are parking in Town. In many cases, guests will be able to use a driveway; however, some other cases will require guests to use on-street parking or a parking lot. Our parking guidelines may be helpful when traveling to Fort Erie’s many tourist attractions and local businesses. Parking penalties are enforced by the Fort Erie By-law Enforcement and Niagara Regional Police Services under the Town’s parking bylaw.
Bay Beach (also known as Crystal Beach)
If the owner of a registered Short-Term Rental property has purchased one or more 2023 Commercial Beach Pass(es), Short-Term Rental guests can access Bay Beach free of charge. Please note that one pass is required per person in order to attend the beach. Beach attendees 12 and under may access the beach for free. Details on the Commercial Season Passes for 2023 will be available shortly.
FAQs for Renters
Q: How many people can be in one Short-Term Rental?
A: A Short-Term Rental that has only one bedroom will be allowed a maximum occupancy of four individuals, two bedrooms will have a maximum occupancy of six and three bedrooms will have a maximum occupancy of eight. Young children and babies count towards total occupancy amount.
Q: I am from outside of Fort Erie. Can I still come to the beach?
A: Yes. After Labour Day of this year (i.e. September 5, 2022), beachgoers will not be required to present a Beach pass in order to access Bay Beach.
Q: Can we put a tent and/or trailer on the property for other guests to stay in?
A: No, there is no outside sleeping permitted on the Short-Term Rental property.
Q: Are we, as renters, responsible for putting out waste and recycling bins for collection?
A: Yes, you will be responsible for putting all garbage and recycle bins out for collection on the correct day. That date should be provided to you by your Short-Term Rental operator.
Q: Are we allowed to have a fire on the property?
A: Yes, when a temporary ban on open air burning is not in effect, open-air burning is allowed but we highly recommend that renters read up on the Town’s Open-air Burning By-law to learn the details of the bylaw.
Q: Where are we allowed to park when staying at our short-term rental?
A: The Town offers plenty of on-street and lot parking. Please speak with your Short-Term Rental operator for parking options and guidelines.
Q: Are we allowed to set off fireworks?
A: Only consumer fireworks and only on the specific days that are indicated in the Fireworks By-law.