Balancing Growth and Community with Burlington’s New Short-Term Accommodation By-law

You spoke and we listened on the key need to regulate Short Term Accommodations in Burlington. I’m pleased to share that at Committee of the Whole, on January 13, council members unanimously passed a short-term accommodation bylaw which will balance the need for short-term accommodations with regulations that protect neighbourhoods and long-term housing stock.

In brief, the bylaw limits short term accommodations to primary residences, renting a maximum of 183 days per year, and committing to health and safety standards as well as a code of conduct. There is a fee of $300, and council will consider later this year about whether the Municipal Accommodation Tax will apply, to level the playing field between short-term rentals and hotels.

This decision marks an important step forward in addressing the challenges and opportunities that short-term rentals bring to our city. I want to take a moment to provide more details on the three key areas this by-law aims to address: improving our housing stock, minimizing community disruption, and setting the groundwork for the potential implementation of the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT). 

Improving Housing Stock

One of the primary objectives of this by-law is to protect and enhance Burlington’s housing stock. By requiring that short-term accommodations operate out of a primary residence for a maximum of 28 consecutive days, and a total maximum of 183 days annually, we are taking a proactive approach to ensure that these properties remain available for long-term housing. This distinction is critical in maintaining the availability of homes for those who live and work in our city full-time. As I mentioned at Committee, this regulation ensures that rental properties or condos used for short-term stays adhere to our by-laws and contribute positively to our housing ecosystem. 

Reducing Community Disruption

An unregulated environment for short-term rentals can lead to significant challenges for our neighbourhoods. From noise complaints to parking issues, the impact on residents’ quality of life is undeniable. This by-law equips us with the tools to proactively manage these concerns. By introducing a code of conduct for both hosts and guests, we’re creating a framework that prioritizes safety, responsibility, and respect for our communities. As I shared during the Committee meeting, this move not only addresses current disruptions but also reduces the strain on city resources previously spent reacting to complaints and legal issues.

Exploring the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT)

Another important aspect of this by-law is its potential to level the playing field between short-term rental operators and traditional accommodations like hotels and motels. The City is actively exploring the feasibility of implementing the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) for short-term accommodations. This tax could generate additional revenue for Burlington, allowing us to reinvest in services and infrastructure that benefit everyone.

Staff brought this item forward now so that we can meet the federal funding deadline of January 24 as set out in the criteria of the Short-Term Rental Enforcement Fund (STREF).

This by-law reflects the input and expertise of city staff, who worked diligently to bring it to fruition. It also benefits from the experiences of other municipalities that have successfully implemented similar regulations. By learning from their successes and challenges, we’ve been able to move quickly and effectively to address this issue in Burlington.

I want to thank everyone involved in this process, including the residents who shared their feedback and the Council members who supported this initiative, particularly Councillors Galbraith and Stolte who brought the initial motion directing staff to work on a by-law. Together, we’re building a city that balances the needs of our residents, businesses, and visitors while fostering fairness and sustainability.

As we move forward, I’m looking forward to continued discussions around the MAT and the positive impact it could have on Burlington. This by-law is a significant step in the right direction, and I’m proud to see our community taking the lead on such an important issue.

For more information on the Short-Term Accommodation By-Law and its implementation, please visit the City of Burlington’s website HERE.

Let’s continue to work together to make Burlington a great place to live, work, and visit.