Vacation Rental Units

Before you begin

1. Zoning: Confirm your location is zoned for a VRU
2. Bedrooms: You can only operate a VRU with a maximum of three bedrooms
3. Building permits: You do not need a building permit if you are not planning any construction. However, you may need a permit if you plan to renovate or alter the building. Contact Building Services to learn more.
4. Check the VRU Handbook for everything you need to know about VRUs

Application

Ensure your application is complete to help process it quickly.

• Vacation Rental Unit (VRU) checklist
• Vacation Rental Unit (VRU) application form

Required application documentation includes:

• Government-issued ID
• Transfer/deed of the property
• Proof of commercial insurance
• Site plan
• Floor plan
• Parking management plan
• Municipal Accommodation Tax paperwork
• Building inspection if renovations or construction have been done to the property
• Fire inspection

Please email your completed application to:
businesslicensing@niagarafalls.ca
905-356-7521 ext. 4283

Fees

Check the Schedule of Fees for new licences and renewals. 

Fines and penalties

It is illegal to:

• Own and operate a VRU in Niagara Falls in a residential area zone
• Advertise a VRU on a brokerage platform without a license, per the Vacation Rental Unit By-law

Fine amounts:

• First offence: up to $50,000
• A second offence and each subsequent offence: up to $100,000 each time
• These fines are contained within the Vacation Rental Unit By-law
• Subject to fines under the Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS)

Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT)

VRU operators must register, collect and remit the MAT tax.

Learn more about the Municipal Accommodation Tax. 

VRUs are not permitted in residential areas but are allowed in the following three zones:

• Tourist Commercial (TC)
• General Commercial (GC)
• Central Business (CB)

View a map of permitted locations for Vacation Rental Units

Questions? Check with the zoning section at pbd@niagarafalls.ca or call 905-356-7521 ext. 4330.

VRU owners must follow the rules of all applicable bylaws, including:

• Vacation Rental Unit By-laws 
• Business licencing Bylaw: Learn about the licencing rules for VRUs
• Municipal Accommodation Tax: Find out about the mandatory tax that operators need to collect
• Noise Control By-law: Please do not disturb other residents
• Parking and Traffic By-law: No parking on the road between 2:00 am and 6:00 am
• Common property bylaws: Owners must keep their properties well maintained as per the Property Standards By-law and the Maintaining of Land By-law