City of Niagara Falls Takes Action on Illegal Vacation Rental Units Through March Break Enforcement Blitz

NIAGARA FALLS, ON - During March Break, the City of Niagara Falls Municipal Enforcement Services conducted a targeted By-law Blitz to identify and address illegal Vacation Rental Units (VRUs) operating within the city.

During the enforcement blitz, Municipal Enforcement Officers actioned 47 properties suspected of operating as illegal VRUs. As a result of the City’s enforcement efforts, 25 properties have come into compliance, including one property that has obtained a licence and 24 properties that have removed their short-term rental listings.

In addition, 37 Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs) totalling $37,000 were issued.

“Municipal Enforcement Officers work directly with property owners to help them understand the rules and bring their properties into compliance,” said Chris Gallagher, Manager of Municipal Enforcement and Security for the City of Niagara Falls. “While education and voluntary compliance are always the preferred outcome, enforcement action is taken when necessary to address ongoing violations and protect neighbourhoods.”

This enforcement initiative builds on similar actions taken by the City during peak tourism periods, including a Canada Day weekend blitz in 2025 that targeted unlicensed vacation rental units operating in prohibited areas.

For this most recent blitz, Municipal Enforcement Services utilized the City’s Administrative Monetary Penalty (AMP) system, which allows officers to issue daily fines of $1,000 for illegal VRUs. This administrative approach provides a more efficient and effective alternative to court-based enforcement.

In addition to enforcement, the City has been sharing educational information to help residents and property owners better understand the rules around Vacation Rental Units. Most recently, Vacation Rental Units in Niagara Falls were featured in the City’s Straight from the Source video series, which provides residents with clear, accurate information directly from City staff and helps clarify common misconceptions about City services and operations.

Municipal Enforcement Officers will continue to monitor the remaining properties identified during the blitz and work with property owners toward compliance, taking further enforcement action where required.

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