Short Term Rental Accommodation Licences

Apply for Your Short Term Rental Accommodation Business Licence

As a Short Term Rental (STR) owner, you can fill out the Short Term Rental Accommodation Business Licence Application online through this form.

You can also download the fully accessible version of the form, fill it out and bring it into the Municipal Law Enforcement Office, with all required documents and payment.

Before applying, you should review other regulations that may apply to your property.

Before You Apply

STRs are considered businesses and must comply with applicable regulations, including:
- Building Code Act
- Fire Protection and Prevention Act
- Electricity Act
STRs must have:
- Proper insurance coverage
- Adequate water and septic systems
If your STR provides drinking water to the public and is not connected to a municipal water system, you may be classified as the owner or operator of a Small Drinking Water System (SDWS).
SDWS owners or operators must meet the requirements of Ontario Regulation 319/08, as set by the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (HKPR) District Health Unit, to ensure safe drinking water.
More information about SDWS requirements is available through the HKPR Health Unit.

Apply Today

Online Application Printable Application

Report a Short Term Rental Issue

Experiencing noise, parking problems, or other concerns related to a Short Term Rental? Kawartha Lakes now has a 24/7 STR Hotline and Online Complaint Form to help you report issues quickly.

Learn More

Hosted and Un-hosted Fees

Fees

Here's a breakdown of fees associated with running a short term rental in Kawartha Lakes:

Type	Fee
Hosted (May to October or November to April)	$150
Hosted (Year Round)	$300
Un-hosted (May-October or November to April)	$750
Un-hosted (Year Round)	$1,500

"Hosted" means the short-term rental of a dwelling or premises with the licensee/host owner/permanent resident residing at the property while it is being used as a Short-Term Rental Accommodation.

"Un-hosted" means the short-term rental of a dwelling or premises in which the licensee/host/owner/permanent resident is not residing at the property while it is being used as a Short-Term Rental Accommodation.

Please note that the licensing fee must be collected prior to Agency Approval and that all licensing fees are non-refundable.

By-law Inspection Fees

Short Term Rental property owners are encouraged to be active hosts in ensuring that their guests enjoy an excellent stay in Kawartha Lakes and that their neighbours maintain an excellent quality of life.

Please remember that Short Term Rental operators can be held accountable for the actions of their guests. If a Municipal By-law is broken, By-law fines can be charged to the individuals who violated the regulation and inspection fees can be charged to the property owner.

	Fee (2023)
First Occurrence	$115
Second Occurrence	$232
Third Occurrence	$458
Fourth Occurrence	$921
Fifth Occurrence	Fees Double

For Short Term Rental Owners and Operators

If you own or manage a Short Term Rental in Kawartha Lakes, make sure you understand the rules, required documents, and licensing process. From insurance and site plans to fire safety and water systems, everything you need to know is outlined here:

Information for Owners and Operators

Visitor Information sign with map and blue roof outside

For Short Term Renters

If you're renting a cottage or short term property in Kawartha Lakes, make sure you're familiar with local rules around noise, fires, parking, waste, and fireworks. Respecting the community helps keep everyone safe and welcome.

Information for Short Term Renters