Short-Term Rentals for Neighbours
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 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 (May 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.