Burlington’s short-term accommodation bylaw goes into effect

Burlington’s new short-term rental bylaw goes into effect Thursday, which requires all short-term accommodations be licensed by the property owner.

Any property that is licensed as a short-term accommodation must be the property owner’s primary residence.

These residences can only be rented out for a maximum of 28 consecutive days, and a total of six months per year.

The bylaw also lays out plans to mitigate neighbourhood nuisances, like noise, parking issues and garbage.

The city says the bylaw aims to encourage owners to prioritize long-term rental agreements over short-term stays.

Staff are expected to update Burlington City Council on the effectiveness of the bylaw, and recommend and amendments next year.

The bylaw was approved at a special council meeting earlier in January, to address key concerns raised from community feedback.

“The short-term accommodation bylaw is a direct response to community requests for some regulation that protects both long term housing supply and the peaceful enjoyment of our beautiful neighbourhoods,” said Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward in a release made back in January.

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