Short-Term Rentals in Fort Erie

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The Town is currently not accepting new Short-Term Rental applications.

The application portal for 2024 Short-Term Rental renewal applications will open in early January 2024.

The Short-term Rental Land Use Study is ongoing for more information on the Land Use Study, please click here.

Short-Term Rental licences are non-transferrable.



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.



2024 Short-Term Rental Program

  • The number of Short-Term Rental licences issued shall be limited to 250 in any given year with 2023 licence holders being provided the first opportunity to renew a licence by March 31, 2024, 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.
  • The owner or operator must maintain a register that contains the following information:
    • The name and address of the Renter(s)
    • The names of any other Person or Persons who occupy the Premises overnight and/or to who sleeping accommodation will be provided at the Premises during the Short-Term Rental period reserved and/or booked by the Renter(s)
    • Upon request of the Town of Fort Erie, the owner shall produce the register for review and/or inspection by the Town.
  • Advertising a Short-Term Rental without including the Town of Fort Erie issued licence number may result in a $75.00 administrative penalty and 3 demerit points.
  • Advertising a Short-Term Rental with more than three (3) bedrooms may result in a $500.00 administrative penalty and 5 demerit points.
  • Advertising a Short-Tern Rental that exceeds the maximum occupancy may result in a $500.00 administrative penalty and 5 demerit points.
  • Advertising a Short-Term Rental without a licence may result in a $1,000 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 advertise without a licence, the administrative penalty will increase to $1,500 for each subsequent infraction and the prohibition can be extended up to five (5) years.
  • A Short-Term Rental licence will be immediately revoked where the total number of Demerit Points in effect against a Short-Term Rental is fifteen (15) or more. An Owner whose licence has been revoked may, within ten (10) days of being notified of the revocation, submit a written request to the Coordinator to appeal the licence revocation to the Hearing Officer.
  • 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.

2024 Short-Term Rental Application Fee:

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

Short-Term Rental Application Requirements:

1. Short-Term Rental Information: Full address, number of legal parking spaces, number of bedrooms and if application is for entire dwelling or bedroom rental only.

2. Owner/Corporation Information: Name of owner(s) and full contact information. (Name, mailing address, telephone and cell number and email address).

3. Applicant/Operator Information: Applicant/Operator full contact information (name, mailing address, telephone and cell number and email address).

4. Responsible Local Contact Person: Provide full contact information for the responsible local contact person (Local contact person shall be at the premises within 30 minutes of contact).

5. Additional Questions:

a. Are you aware of any outstanding Fire Orders?

b. Are you aware of any Property Orders?

c. Are you aware of any Building Permits?

d. Have you had any interior renovations in the last 10 years? If yes, what was the nature of the renovations?

6. Document Checklist:

  • Copy of transfer/deed for ownership confirmation
  • 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)
  • Acknowledgement by the Region of Niagara that the dwelling has a functioning septic system as of the date of the first rental application (if applicable). Region Contact 905-980-6000 ext. 3358.

Failure to obtain the appropriate licence will 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. 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

Short-Term Rental Requirements

Certified Fire Protection Companies for maintenance of fire safety equipment (i.e. fire extinguishers).

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 or use the online submission form.

Hours of Operation (May 1 to September 30)

Days of WeekHours
Monday8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Tuesday8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesday8 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Thursday8 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Friday8 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Saturday10:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Sunday10:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.


Hours of Operation (October 1 to April 30)

Days of WeekHours
Monday8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Thursday8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Friday8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sunday8:30 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)

Commercial Season Passes for registered Short Term Rental Operators will be available soon. Please check back for updates.

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.


Short-Term Rentals: Operators Renters Neighbours

Registration List: Find a property Register a property


The Town is currently not accepting new Short-Term Rental applications.

The application portal for 2024 Short-Term Rental renewal applications will open in early January 2024.

The Short-term Rental Land Use Study is ongoing for more information on the Land Use Study, please click here.

Short-Term Rental licences are non-transferrable.



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.



2024 Short-Term Rental Program

  • The number of Short-Term Rental licences issued shall be limited to 250 in any given year with 2023 licence holders being provided the first opportunity to renew a licence by March 31, 2024, 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.
  • The owner or operator must maintain a register that contains the following information:
    • The name and address of the Renter(s)
    • The names of any other Person or Persons who occupy the Premises overnight and/or to who sleeping accommodation will be provided at the Premises during the Short-Term Rental period reserved and/or booked by the Renter(s)
    • Upon request of the Town of Fort Erie, the owner shall produce the register for review and/or inspection by the Town.
  • Advertising a Short-Term Rental without including the Town of Fort Erie issued licence number may result in a $75.00 administrative penalty and 3 demerit points.
  • Advertising a Short-Term Rental with more than three (3) bedrooms may result in a $500.00 administrative penalty and 5 demerit points.
  • Advertising a Short-Tern Rental that exceeds the maximum occupancy may result in a $500.00 administrative penalty and 5 demerit points.
  • Advertising a Short-Term Rental without a licence may result in a $1,000 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 advertise without a licence, the administrative penalty will increase to $1,500 for each subsequent infraction and the prohibition can be extended up to five (5) years.
  • A Short-Term Rental licence will be immediately revoked where the total number of Demerit Points in effect against a Short-Term Rental is fifteen (15) or more. An Owner whose licence has been revoked may, within ten (10) days of being notified of the revocation, submit a written request to the Coordinator to appeal the licence revocation to the Hearing Officer.
  • 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.

2024 Short-Term Rental Application Fee:

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

Short-Term Rental Application Requirements:

1. Short-Term Rental Information: Full address, number of legal parking spaces, number of bedrooms and if application is for entire dwelling or bedroom rental only.

2. Owner/Corporation Information: Name of owner(s) and full contact information. (Name, mailing address, telephone and cell number and email address).

3. Applicant/Operator Information: Applicant/Operator full contact information (name, mailing address, telephone and cell number and email address).

4. Responsible Local Contact Person: Provide full contact information for the responsible local contact person (Local contact person shall be at the premises within 30 minutes of contact).

5. Additional Questions:

a. Are you aware of any outstanding Fire Orders?

b. Are you aware of any Property Orders?

c. Are you aware of any Building Permits?

d. Have you had any interior renovations in the last 10 years? If yes, what was the nature of the renovations?

6. Document Checklist:

  • Copy of transfer/deed for ownership confirmation
  • 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)
  • Acknowledgement by the Region of Niagara that the dwelling has a functioning septic system as of the date of the first rental application (if applicable). Region Contact 905-980-6000 ext. 3358.

Failure to obtain the appropriate licence will 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. 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

Short-Term Rental Requirements

Certified Fire Protection Companies for maintenance of fire safety equipment (i.e. fire extinguishers).

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 or use the online submission form.

Hours of Operation (May 1 to September 30)

Days of WeekHours
Monday8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Tuesday8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesday8 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Thursday8 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Friday8 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Saturday10:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Sunday10:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.


Hours of Operation (October 1 to April 30)

Days of WeekHours
Monday8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Thursday8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Friday8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sunday8:30 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)

Commercial Season Passes for registered Short Term Rental Operators will be available soon. Please check back for updates.

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.


Short-Term Rentals: Operators Renters Neighbours

Registration List: Find a property Register a property


  • Do you suspect a property in Fort Erie to be an unregistered short-term rental? As of January 1, 2020, all short-term rental properties require a licence to operate. Any short-term rental properties operating without a licence will receive a $1,500 fine and 15 demerit points  If you suspect a short-term rental property is operating without a licence, please fill out this form. A list of registered short-term rental properties is updated on the Town's website.    

    Please note that information will be collected in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. With the exception of personal information, please note all comments will become part of the public record.

    Report a Rental
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  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Do you have something to say? Town Staff will be providing Town Council with a summary report of the Short-term Rental pilot program in October 2021. Please take a minute to provide your feedback before September 15, 2021. All comments will be compiled by Town Staff and responses will remain anonymous. Your opinion matters.

    Please note that information will be collected in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. With the exception of personal information, please note all comments will become part of the public record.

    Provide Feedback
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  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Are you interested in sharing ideas, experiences, and opinions on where short-term rentals (STRs) can or should be permitted within the Town of Fort Erie?

    This Community Focus Group will help inform study work on STRs as a "permitted land use". The Land Use Study currently underway will consult with the Community Focus group, as well as the community, to gather input at meetings that will be facilitated by the Town’s consultant preparing the study (WSP Canada Group Limited). It is expected the Community Focus Group will meet on at least 2 occasions and be engaged further as needed. Please be advised that meetings may take as long as 2 to 4 hours each, and may be scheduled during business hours.

    The Town seeks a Community Focus Group composition that is representative of the interests of all residents, business owners, operators and clients. 

    If you are interested in volunteering, please complete and submit this form no later than Friday September 9, 2022. Planning staff will assess the submissions and provide Council with a recommended composition for a Committee of up to 18 persons.

    Planning staff would like to thank all those expressing interest and will contact those appointed by Council. It is important to note that there will be public open houses and plenty of opportunities for the public to provide input if not selected for the Committee.

    Please note that information will be collected in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. With the exception of personal contact information, please note all comments will become part of the public record.

    Complete Form
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Page last updated: 18 Dec 2023, 08:00 AM