Short-term accommodation rentals (STRs), such as those listed on platforms such as Airbnb, VRBO, and HomeToGo, do not require formal licensing or registration with the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands. The Township regulates STRs through the Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) By-law. This allows the Township to enforce compliance with municipal by-laws by issuing monetary penalties to STR property owners for violations such as noise disturbances, property maintenance issues, and safety concerns.
The AMPS process allows Township staff to issue penalties, reducing reliance on taxpayer-funded resources and eliminating the need to pursue convictions through the Provincial Offences Court system. For more information, please visit our AMPS webpage.
History
Between July 18 and September 12, 2022, the Township conducted a community survey to gather feedback on short-term accommodation rentals (e.g., Airbnb, VRBO, HomeToGo). The purpose of the survey was to collect public input on the presence and impact of short-term rental units within the local community.
Based on the findings from the survey, Township staff presented a report to Council in June 2023. At that time, Council directed staff to proceed with amendments to the Administrative Monetary Penalty By-law, along with related by-laws, to implement increased fines for second and subsequent offenses. These amendments were designed to address community concerns related to noise, property standards, and safety, as well as broader feedback on the regulation of short-term rentals.
The approved changes have since been implemented. Township staff continue to monitor the volume and nature of complaints and will report back to Council at a future date with an update. This report may include further recommendations concerning the regulation, oversight, and enforcement of short-term accommodation rentals.
I have a concern about a Short-Term Rental Accommodation, who can I contact?
If you have a concern related to a STR, you can report it to the Township through the Report a Concern form.
For an after-hours noise complaint please contact Frontenac Municipal By-law Enforcement at (613) 541-3213.