City of Niagara Falls Continues Enforcement Action Against Illegal Vacation Rental Units

NIAGARA FALLS, ON - The City of Niagara Falls Municipal Enforcement Services continues to take action against illegal Vacation Rental Units (VRUs) through ongoing enforcement efforts to identify and address properties operating without required licenses.

Between Monday, June 22, and Wednesday, July 29, 2026, Municipal Enforcement Officers received 30 new complaints regarding suspected illegal VRU activity. As a result of these investigations, officers issued 121 Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs) totalling $121,000 for advertising or operating a Vacation Rental Unit without a licence.

Through education and enforcement efforts, five of the identified properties have been brought into compliance, and their files have been closed. Municipal Enforcement Services continues to monitor remaining properties and work with property owners to address violations and achieve compliance.

“Municipal Enforcement Officers continue to take a balanced approach by working with property owners to help them understand the requirements for operating a Vacation Rental Unit in Niagara Falls,” said Chris Gallagher, Manager of Municipal Enforcement and Security for the City of Niagara Falls. “Where voluntary compliance is not achieved, enforcement measures are used to address violations and help protect the quality of life in our neighbourhoods.”

The City’s Administrative Monetary Penalty (AMP) system allows Municipal Enforcement Officers to issue daily fines of $1,000 for illegal VRU activity, providing a more efficient and effective alternative to court-based enforcement.

The City continues to provide educational resources to help residents and property owners better understand VRU regulations, licensing requirements and where these units are permitted. 

Vacation Rental Units are only permitted in specific commercial and tourist zones in Niagara Falls, unless approved by City Council through a planning application, and must be licensed by the City. Residents who suspect an illegal VRU operating in their neighbourhood are encouraged to report concerns through the City’s website, service.niagarafalls.ca.

For more information about Vacation Rental Units, licensing requirements, or to report a suspected illegal short-term rental, visit niagarafalls.ca/VRU.

For more information, please contact:
Chris Gallagher
Manager of Municipal Enforcement and Security
City of Niagara Falls
cgallagher@niagarafalls.ca