Short-Term Rentals for Neighbours
Effective May 8, 2023 the Short-Term Rental Moratorium will be lifted at 8:30 a.m, EDT
At the Regular Council meeting held on April 24, 2023, Council passed a resolution to lift the Short-Term Rental (STR) Licencing moratorium effective May 8, 2023.
On Monday, May 8, 2023 starting at 8:30 a.m. EDT, new applications will be received, with the applicable documents, online only.
Applications will be processed on a first-come, first- serve basis.
Early submissions prior to May 8, 2023 will not be accepted.
A maximum of 250 Short-Term Rental Licences can be issued in Fort Erie annually. Given the number of existing licences already issued, there will be approximately 55 remaining licences available for 2023 which will be subject the current By-law: Short-Term Rental By-law
Short-Term Rental Application Requirements:
1. Short-Term Rental Information: Full address, number of legal parking spaces, number of bedrooms and if application is for entire dwelling or bedroom rental only.
2. Owner/Corporation Information: Name of owner(s) and full contact information. (Name, mailing address, telephone and cell number and email address).
3. Applicant/Operator Information: Applicant/Operator full contact information (name, mailing address, telephone and cell number and email address).
4. Responsible Local Contact Person: Provide full contact information for the responsible local contact person (Local contact person shall be at the premises within 30 minutes of contact).
5. Additional Questions:
a. Are you aware of any outstanding Fire Orders?
b. Are you aware of any Property Orders?
c. Are you aware of any Building Permits?
d. Have you had any interior renovations in the last 10 years? If yes, what was the nature of the renovations?
6. Document Checklist:
- Copy of transfer/deed for ownership confirmation
- Proof of insurance for Short-Term Rental use (minimum liability coverage $2M)
- Fire Evacuation Plan
- Owner Consent Form (if applicable)
- Certificate of proof that the well water is safe to drink (if applicable)
- Acknowledgement by the Region of Niagara that the dwelling has a functioning septic system as of the date of the first rental application (if applicable). Region Contact 905-980-6000 ext. 3358.
The Short-term Rental Land Use Study is ongoing for more information on the Land Use Study, please click here.
Short-Term Rental licences are non-transferrable.
2023 Short-Term Rental Program
Short-Term Rentals for Neighbours
Visitors from all over the world travel to Fort Erie every year to experience Niagara’s hidden gem. In an effort to protect all parties (i.e. renters, operators and neighbours) impacted by Short-Term Rental operations such as Airbnbs in Fort Erie communities, Town Council has set-up regulations to manage the terms and conditions for operating Short-Term Rentals in Fort Erie.
Starting January 1, 2020, all Short-Term Rental owners who operate rentals are required to obtain an operating licence.
Operating a Short-Term Rental without a licence may result in a $1,500 administrative penalty and a two (2) year prohibition on applying for a licence from the date on which the first Penalty Notice is issued. In the event a Short-Term Rental continues to operate without a licence, the administrative penalty will increase to $2,000 for each subsequent infraction and the prohibition can be extended up to five (5) years. A list of registered Short-Term Rental properties is available and is updated regularly.
Demerit Points and Penalties
Fort Erie uses demerit points to help manage properties that receive one or more infractions. Demerit points are given to a Short-Term Rental property owner when they are found in violation of the Town’s Short-Term Rental By-law. The accumulation of points may lead to additional conditions on a property and/or suspension/revocation of a licence.
Contacting By-law Enforcement
We want everyone to enjoy being part of the Fort Erie community. If you are concerned that a Short-Term Rental property might be violating Town bylaws (i.e. noise and nuisance, parking, property standards, fire safety or building violation), please take a minute to review our FAQs or Short-Term Rentals by-law to confirm. If confirmed, please call Municipal By-law Enforcement during hours of operation at 905-871-1600, ext. 5216 or use the online submission form (https://www.forterie.ca/resource/eservicesBylawSTR.xsp)
Hours of Operation (June 1 to September 30)
Hours of Operation (October 1 to April 30)
If you have a concern about noise and nuisance or parking outside of regular business hours, please call the non-emergency number for the Niagara Regional Police Services at 905-871-2300.
In case of an emergency, always call 911.
FAQs for Neighbours
Q: Where can I find registered Short-Term Rentals in my neighbourhood?
A: A list of registered Short-Term Rentals can be found on the Town's Business Directory at https://www.forterie.ca/resource/eservicesBusiness.xsp?filter=STR
Q: What if renters are not following Town by-laws?
A: If you are experiencing renters who are not following by-laws, please call the Town of Fort Erie By-law Enforcement at 905-871-1600, ext. 5216 or use the online submission form (https://www.forterie.ca/resource/eservicesBylawSTR.xsp). If your complaint falls outside of office hours, please call the non-emergency number for the Niagara Regional Police at 905-871-2300.
Q: Are renters allowed to put up a tent and/or use a trailer for sleeping accommodations on the Short-term rental property?
A: Renters are not allowed to set up tents or use a trailer for sleeping accommodations on the property.