Short-Term Rentals for Renters
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As of January 1, 2025, an amended Short-Term Rental By-Law will be in effect. New applications for Dedicated Short-Term Rentals and Owner Occupied Short-Term Rental will be accepted and must comply with the new land use zoning regulations. The application portal will open on January 2, 2025.
Please click here to access: Short-Term Rental Licencing By-Law 102-2024, Official Plan Amendment By-Law 02-2024 and Comprehensive Zoning By-Law 01-2024.
For a list of licenced Short-Term Rentals, please visit our Business Directory.
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.
Short-Term Rental Guest Rules
A copy of the Short-Term Rental Guest Rules should be provided to you by the Owner/Operator. A copy of the rules can be found here: Short-Term Rental Guest Rules
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 By-Law 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 By-Law 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 staying 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 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. Passes are now available for purchase for the season.
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: 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.
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