What is defined as a short-term rental accommodation (STRA)?

Short-term rental accommodation is a building or structure that operates or offers a place of temporary residence, lodging or occupancy by way of concession, permit, lease, licence, rental agreement or similar commercial arrangement for any period less than twenty-eight (28) consecutive calendar days, throughout all or any part of a calendar year.

When am I required to obtain an STRA  licence?

An STRA licence is required for all residential property owners who rent or advertise their property for rent for 28 or fewer days. The licence costs an annual fee of $1000.00.  

What is required to obtain a licence?

STRA Operators are required to meet specific requirements to obtain a licence; operators who can’t meet the criteria will be denied a licence. STRA operators must meet the following requirements:

1.  All Buildings must be built in compliance with the Ontario Building Code;
2. Property must comply with the Ontario Planning Act and Township of Ramara Zoning Bylaw;
3. The building must comply with the Ontario Fire Code & Fire Prevention and Protection Act;
4. Septic System (if applicable) must be shown to be in proper working order, pass inspection (if required) by a licenced septic installer and be designed to process effluent and greywater based on the number of legal bedrooms within the dwelling and as required by the Ontario Building Code Act;
5. Property Taxes and all township accounts must be in good standing, and no debts to the Township are permitted;
6. Property, accessory buildings and primary dwellings are all subject to licensing, property standards, building code and fire code inspections, and
7. Fire pits and outdoor burning containers must comply with the Township Open Air Burning Bylaw.

How are maximum occupancy rates defined, and what is the maximum occupancy?

Maximum Occupancy rates for STRA’s are based on the number of legal bedrooms under the Ontario Building Code and in accordance with all building permits issued for the property and an approved septic system (if applicable) that has been designed for the number of legal bedrooms;

1. Two (2) bedroom home – Maximum Occupancy 4
2. Three (3) bedroom home – Maximum Occupancy 6
3. Four (4) bedroom home – Maximum Occupancy 8
4. Five (5) or more bedroom home – Maximum Occupancy 8

The Township STRA Licensing bylaw restricts the maximum occupancy to eight (8) overnights guests. 

If my STRA is licenced, what rules do I have to abide by?

1. Noise restrictions apply to all licenced STRA locations, regardless of their location in Ramara (Noise Bylaw regulations only apply to owner-occupied or rental properties located in Lagoon City & Bayshore Village.
2. Occupancy restrictions of 8 or fewer overnight guests.
3. STRA’s are inspected to ensure the safety of the guests and surrounding properties.
4. Bylaw officers can issue fines for non-compliance with any licence requirements or conditions.
5.  The Township can place conditions and restrictions on an STRA Licence.
6. STRA licences can be suspended or revoked for non-compliance.
7. Administrative Monetary Penalties can be issued for non-compliance and added to property taxes if not paid.
   1. First Offence - $500.00
   2. Second Offence - $1000.00
   3. Third Offence - $1500.00
   4. Fourth and subsequent Offence - $2000.00
8. Administrative Licence Application fine ($500.00) if an unlicensed STRA applies for a licence after being found in non-compliance.

In addition to Administrative Monetary Penalties, the Township may issue fines (Part 1 Ticket) or initiate proceedings (summons to court) under the Provincial Offences Act. If a conviction is obtained, the fines are up to a maximum of 100,000.00 under the Ontario Municipal Act and subject to possible court orders prohibiting the use of the property as an STRA.

What is the benefit to having an STRA next door compared to nuisance neighbours?

The STRA Licensing Bylaw (Bylaw 2020.11) requirements permit the Township to inspect, review property use, and require all those properties used as STRA’s to be safe, in compliance with municipal bylaws and Provincial Statutes. It also provides inspection powers, enforcement tools and the ability to prevent short-term rental accommodations from causing a disturbance in a neighbourhood. For example, if a short-term rental accommodation is causing a nuisance and being loud, the noise restrictions come into place, and monetary penalties can be enforced. If your neighbour is causing a nuisance and being loud, only the locations in the noise bylaw (Lagoon City and Bayshore Village) would apply.  

The person next door to me rents their house for longer than 29 consecutive days at a time. Would their property be regulated under the STRA Licensing bylaw?

The above-noted rules, regulations and bylaw requirements in STRA Licensing Bylaw 2020.11 do not apply to rentals of 29 or more consecutive days. In addition, many of the enforcement powers afforded under the STRA Licensing Bylaw do not apply to owner-occupied properties, which are only regulated by standard municipal bylaws.