Short-Term Rentals

Short-Term Rental Licenses 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 by the end of 2022.

As of January 4, 2022, eligible 2021 Short-Term Rental licence holders will be able to renew their licence for 2022 in accordance with the Short-Term Rental By-law.

Short-Term Rentals in Fort Erie
The Fort Erie Short-Term Rental program was launched in 2020 to help establish and regulate terms and conditions for Short-Term Rental businesses operating in Fort Erie. The program was introduced by Town Council due to a growing number of concerns from fire services, bylaw enforcement and local residents. Some areas of concern included fire safety, property maintenance and a lack of local contact.

Starting January 1, 2020, all Fort Erie Short-Term Rental operators (such as Airbnbs) are required to obtain a Short-Term Rental licence from the Town of Fort Erie. Licence application forms can be completed online.

2022 Short-Term Rental Program
The Council of the Town of Fort Erie has implemented a number of changes to the Short-Term Rental Program commencing January 4, 2022 including:

• The number of Short-Term Rental licences issued shall be limited to 250 in any given year with 2021 licence holders being provided the first opportunity to renew a licence by March 31st, 2022 provided the licence holder has complied with all rules (meaning 5 demerit points or less) during the previous year.
   
• The maximum occupant limits in a Short-Term Rental shall be as follows:
  • 1 bedroom = maximum 4 people
  • 2 bedrooms = maximum 6 people
  • 3 bedrooms = maximum 8 people
     
• The maximum number of bedrooms in a Short-Term Rental shall be limited to 3.
   
• Short-Term Rentals with more than 3 bedrooms are allowed to operate and additional bedrooms shall be closed off with appropriate signage posted on the door(s). Maximum occupancy is 8 persons.
   
• Annual fire and building inspections shall be carried out for each Short-Term Rental premises.
   
• The time limit for guests visiting Short-Term Rentals shall be 11:00pm each day.

2022 Short-Term Rental Application Fee:

•    1 or 2 Bedrooms = $750.00
•    3 Bedrooms = $1,250.00

Required Documentation for Short-Term Rental Licence Renewals:

• Completed renewal application form
   
• 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)

Failure to obtain the appropriate licence will result in a $1,500 fine and 15 demerit points. In addition, a list of registered Short-Term Rental properties in Fort Erie is now available. 

To access eServices and pay an outstanding administrative penalty please click here.

Short-Term Rental Guest Rules

Contacting By-law Enforcement (905-871-1600, ext. 5216)

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 Rental By-law to confirm. If confirmed, please call Municipal By-law Enforcement during hours of operation at 905-871-1600, ext. 5216.
 
Hours of Operation (May 1 to September 30)

Days of Week	Hours
Monday	8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Tuesday	8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesday	8 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Thursday	8 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Friday	8 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Saturday	10:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Sunday	10:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Hours of Operation (October 1 to April 30)

Days of Week	Hours
Monday	8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday	8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday	8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Thursday	8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Friday	8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday	8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sunday	8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

If you have concerns about a Short-Term Rental property regarding 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.

Bay Beach (Also known as Crystal Beach)

Fort Erie Short-Term Rental operators can purchase Commercial Season Passes for $100 each. Short-Term Rental operators must have a registered 2022 Short-Term Rental licence in order to purchase Commercial Season Passes.  

To purchase Commercial Season Passes online please visit: https://www.forterie.ca/resource/eservicesBayBeachPass.xsp.  

Please be advised that physical Commercial Season Beach passes are now available. 

 Short-Term Rental operators/owners  may:

a) Pick-up the Passes at Town Hall (1 Municipal Centre Drive) anytime between 8:30 AM -4:30PM, Monday to Friday, save and except holidays. You can bring either a printed copy of the receipt (e-mailed) or your smart phone with the e-mail on it along with photo ID for you or the person you have designated to collect the pass(es). Please contact Town Hall via phone at 905-871-1600 prior to pick-up to ensure your order is ready. 

b) Receive the Passes via Mail - Pass(es) will be sent first-class mail with Canada Post.  Please be aware that the Town will not be held responsible for delayed, lost or damaged items and we will not be in a position to reissue pass(es) for any such reasons. 

Contact
Please take a minute to review the By-laws referenced above as well as reference our FAQs for operators to further better understand our Short-Term Rentals program. For more information, please contact our Business Licence Coordinator at edts@forterie.ca or 905-871-1600, ext. 2252.