Short Term Rentals

My thoughts on Short term rentals

The number of Short Term Rental listings in SFT have been increasing. Neighbours to these properties are concerned.

A number of these are so called “Owner-Absent STRs” with no supervision.

People have been “renting out” their properties for years. With on-line booking platforms like Airbnb, FlipKey, Booking.com, Housetrip, Vrba and home to go _, the numbers are increasing and rentals have become more of a business.

South Frontenac Township must look to address this through the introduction of a By-Law that can be enforced.

We can look to see what others have in place that works and look to copy them.

Some Concerns

  • Noise

  • Fireworks

  • Fires and open air burning

  • Parking

  • Garbage & recycling

  • Trespassing

  • Property damage

  • Theft

  • Boating behaviours

  • Illegal fishing activities

  • Capacity issues affecting septic systems

Some current township by-laws do apply, such as Noise and Burning. Others issues, such as trespassing, theft and boating violations, are an OPP enforcement issue.

What Can be done

We must find a solution to this and it should be in place for June 2023.

This needs to include:

  • A comprehensive review and updating of all applicable by-laws

  • A new STR By-Law

  • A registration and licensing system for all STRs in SFT

  • A system to deal with violations (demerit points or monetary penalties and potential license suspension for a period of time)