The Municipality of Central Elgin has implemented a new bylaw necessitating property owners to secure a license for listing on short-term rental platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. This regulation, enacted in the summer and effective since January 1, has garnered a diverse response from landlords. Officials confirm receiving around 40 applications from landlords in Port Stanley, a popular destination attracting numerous beachgoers, tourists, and vacationers annually.
To operate a short-term rental, property owners must now possess a valid license before advertising, marketing, or renting out their property. The initial application fee is $300, with an annual charge of $650 per unit. Additionally, a fire inspection and a declaration ensuring compliance with the Building Code Act are mandatory.
Despite concerns raised by property owners regarding affordability and potential impacts on tourism, some acknowledge the safety aspect of the bylaw as beneficial for both renters and operators. Jeff West, a local realtor renting out a three-bedroom cottage in Port Stanley, initially skeptical, now sees the importance of ensuring guest safety and proper building compliance.
The bylaw defines short-term rentals as dwellings rented for less than 28 consecutive days, including bed and breakfasts, hostels, and rooming houses. Currently, approximately 150 private dwellings in the municipality serve as short-term rentals, with numbers rising to 250 during peak seasons. Applicants are required to provide exterior photos, site and floor plans, egress points, and parking information of the property.
Central Elgin officials assert that the program will not generate revenue for the municipality, although landlords may need to increase rental fees to cover costs. The introduction of an online interactive map enables visitors to verify if a property is licensed and compliant with municipal standards. Residents can report issues such as unauthorized rentals, noise disturbances, and parking problems through an online platform or a 24-hour hotline.
Central Elgin aims to engage landlords in an “education-first” strategy, seeking input to broaden outreach beyond the municipality to nearby areas like London and St. Thomas. This move aligns with the trend of various lakeside municipalities such as Windsor, Amherstburg, and Lambton Shores, alongside cities like London and Kitchener, in regulating short-term rentals for community welfare.