A total of three licences have been issued, with another seven applications under review, since the City of Burlington’s short-term rental accommodation bylaw came into effect May 1.
According to data provided by city communications staff this week, there have been 20 actions taken by bylaw enforcement staff in response to requests for enforcement under the new bylaw as the city began “reactive enforcement” this month.
A city spokesperson said the focus during the first few months of the bylaw’s implementation was on “education and awareness to give owners time to understand and adjust to the new requirements.”
Proactive enforcement will begin in the coming weeks, and is expected to encourage more owners of short-term rental properties to apply for required licences. Licence applications cost $300 and are renewed annually for the same fee.
Two new bylaw enforcement officers have been hired, and dedicated to short-term rental bylaw enforcement, thanks to a $759,719 federal grant.
Statistics Canada data from 2021 states there were 346 short term rental units in Burlington. Those numbers are to be updated following the 2026 census.
City staff did not provide a current estimated number of local short-term rental units by deadline.
A formal report to city council to provide an update on the bylaw’s first year is expected by June 2026.
The bylaw applies to owners of residential properties that rent them out for up to 28 consecutive days (a total of up to 183 days per year) for a fee, such as through Airbnb or Vrbo. A licence is required to operate.
More details, including licence requirements and licence applications, are available on the city’s website.