Municipal Law Enforcement Officers conducted a blitz against unlicensed Vacation Rental Units from the 26 day of June through the Canada Day Weekend. A total of 20 unlicensed Vacation Rental units were identified operating on various advertisement platforms. Platforms are identified as any software, technology, or service, including a smartphone application used to advertise Vacation Rental Units.
Municipal enforcement staff will issue a Part 3 summons in the Ontario Courts of Justice for Vacation Rental Units identified as violating By-law Nos. 2021-99 and 2021-57, where applicable.
A Vacation Rental Unit (VRU) is a short-term rental property intended for tourists and visitors (such as those offered through booking applications). VRUs are to be licensed appropriately by the City of Niagara Falls.
The initial cost of a VRU license is $500, and it renews annually for $250 on April 30th.
To start the VRU licensing process, please email your completed application to:
Debra Jones
Licensing Coordinator
Clerks Services, City of Niagara Falls
[email protected]
905-356-7521 ext. 4283
Every person who contravenes any provisions of the noted by-laws or every director or officer of a corporation who knowingly concurs in the contravention by a corporation is guilty of an offence and, upon conviction, is liable to a fine or a first offence of not more than $50,000.00, and on a second offence and each subsequent offence, to a fine of not more than $100,000.00.
For more information, visit niagarafalls.ca/vru or contact:
Gerald Spencer
Manager of Municipal Law Enforcement
Building and Municipal Enforcement Services, City of Niagara Falls
(905) 356-7521 ext 4262
[email protected]
