A by-law to regulate short-term rentals in Oshawa is now active after a lengthy process of public consultations, research and collaboration with other municipalities.
Having short-term rentals as an option for homeowners can be a way for people to supplement their income and meet the demand for affordable or unique places for visitors, provided it is done responsibly.
Why regulate Airbnb in Oshawa?
Airbnb, along with other STR companies, has been the topic of many heated debates as property owners, neighbours, long-term renters, hotels and visitors all look for a solution to a problem that stems from problems that arise when there are no rules for STRs.
The problems that arise when STRs are allowed without any rules are many:
Lack of parking at Airbnb properties results in congestion on streets and neighbouring properties
Noise from short-term tenants affecting neighbours' quality of life
Excess garbage from short-term tenants and STR properties adding to strained collection services
Party houses creating problems for neighbours, police and property values
STR property owners that are unresponsive to complaints
STR properties creating shortages of long-term rental stock, thereby driving up rental prices
Speculators buying up housing for STR use, limiting the supply of housing, also contributing to rising home prices
What are the rules in the Airbnb bylaw in Oshawa?
A number of things are required, including the following:
Licensing for STR properties and owners, including a $75 application and $75 annual fee
STR rentals are only allowed in a property owner's principal residence
Up to 2 rooms in a home are allowed to be rented, with up to 2 occupants each, or the entire home
Allowing a maximum of 180 days of rental per year, and no more than 28 days at a time
Having a contact be available at the property to deal with complaints within one hour
Insurance, fire code and other by-law requirements like parking space and visual standards
Providing a copy of the visitor's code that shows information about the by-law to renters
Requiring hosts to provide operating data to the city
Fines for non-compliance - bylaw - up to $500 for operating without a license and up to $250 for other violations. Provincial Offences Act violations could range from $500 to $100,000.
Additionally, the city is exploring the possibility of requiring companies like Airbnb, VRBO, Homeaway, etc. to sign a document allowing the city access to host data, and perhaps requiring those companies to self-regulate with regard to screening of hosts meeting local requirements. They would also require the companies to require hosts to publish license numbers for each listing.
Currently, there is no plan to include Bed and Breakfast operators under the program, unless they use STR companies to advertise their properties.
How many Airbnb units are listed in Oshawa?
According to a report published by the city, there were 113 Airbnb listings in Oshawa in July of 2018.
The city also reported that there were 19 complaints registered against 9 different properties that year.
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