Short-Term Rentals
The Township of Augusta’s Short-Term Rental (STR) Licensing requires all eligible short-term rentals to be licensed prior to operating. Licences are valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
A short-term rental licence fee of $500 applies to each property.
Operating a short-term rental without a valid licence may result in fines of $900 per day, per offence.
What is a Short-Term Rental?
A short-term rental (STR) is a dwelling unit that is rented or advertised for temporary accommodation through a short-term rental platform such as Airbnb, VRBO, or similar services.
Under the Township’s Short-Term Rental By-Law, a short-term rental does not include a bed and breakfast, boarding or lodging house, motel, hotel, tourist establishment, tourist lodge, tourist outfitter establishment, or tourist trailer as defined in the Township’s Zoning By-Law.
Do I Need a Licence?
A licence is required for all short-term rentals operating within the Township of Augusta unless specifically exempt under the By-Law.
A person is not eligible to obtain a licence if the proposed short-term rental use is not permitted under the Township’s Zoning By-Law.
Exemptions
The Short-Term Rental By-Law does not apply when:
- The dwelling is the owner’s primary residence and the owner remains on-site while guests are staying; or
- The rental unit is a secondary suite or additional residential unit (ARU) located on the same property as the owner’s primary residence, and the owner remains on-site while guests are staying.
Properties Not Permitted as Short-Term Rentals
Short-term rentals are not permitted in:
- Accessory buildings
- Motor vehicles or trailers
- Unlawful residential units
- Community housing
Short-Term Rental By-Laws
Municipal Enforcement
The Township investigates complaints regarding potential violations of Municipal By-Laws, including the Short-Term Rental Licensing By-Law.
The Township may suspend, refuse, or revoke a licence where a property is not operating in compliance with municipal requirements or where continued operation is likely to create a significant public nuisance due to excessive noise, property maintenance issues, or property standards violations.
For Applicants
Before You Apply
Applicants should review the Short-Term Rental Licensing By-Law and ensure the proposed use is permitted under the Township’s Zoning By-Law.
The following documentation, dated within the previous twelve (12) months, is required as part of the application process:
Safety and Compliance Documentation
- Fire Code compliance documentation
- Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) compliance documentation
- Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) and provisions of the Electrical Safety Code compliance documentation
- Confirmation that the septic system complies with all applicable regulations and standards
Ownership Documentation
- A copy of the property’s transfer/deed confirming ownership; or
- Written authorization from the property owner permitting the use of the property as a short-term rental
Insurance Requirements
Proof of insurance must include:
- Coverage appropriate for short-term rental activity
- Minimum liability coverage of $2,000,000 per occurrence
- A provision requiring at least 30 days’ notice to the Township in the event of cancellation
Site and Floor Plans
Applicants must provide:
- An interior floor plan showing room uses, sleeping occupancy, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers, utility shut-offs, and emergency equipment
- A site plan showing buildings, parking areas, utilities, emergency access routes, and related site features
Declaration
A signed declaration confirming awareness of and compliance with the Short-Term Rental Licensing By-Law.
How to Apply
Complete and submit the Short-Term Rental Application Form along with all required supporting documentation and applicable fees.
A separate application is required for each short-term rental property.
Licence Renewals
Licences must be renewed annually by December 31.
Outstanding Municipal Accounts
The Township may refuse to issue or renew a licence where the owner or operator has:
- Outstanding property taxes
- Unpaid fines, penalties, or judgments owing to the Township
Occupancy Limits
The maximum occupancy for a short-term rental is based on the number of accommodation rooms and confirmation that the septic system is appropriately sized.
Occupancy shall not exceed:
- Two (2) occupants per accommodation room; and
- Ten (10) occupants per property
Guest Information Requirements
Licence holders must provide guests with an information package:
- Electronically at the time of booking; and
- In printed form within the rental unit.
The information package must contain the items required by the Short-Term Rental Licensing By-Law.
Common Questions
I am selling a licensed short-term rental property. Does the licence transfer?
No. Short-term rental licences are issued to the property owner and do not transfer with the sale of a property.
I purchased a property that was previously licensed as a short-term rental. Can I operate immediately?
No. New property owners must submit a new application, supporting documentation, and applicable fees. A previous licence does not guarantee approval of a future application.
What happens if I operate without a licence?
Operating a short-term rental without a valid licence may result in fines of $900 per day, per offence.
