The Town of Huntsville will be capping the number of short-term rental accommodation licenses at 250, effective immediately.
This is one of several changes the municipality has made to its Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) and Community Planning Permit (CPP) By-laws.
Town officials say these changes are aimed at improving the supply of long-term rental units and affordable housing, creating a more connected community, and providing more oversight of short-term rentals.
Effective immediately, the following changes have been made to the STRA By-law:
- STRA owners must own the property for a year prior to renting it out on a short-term basis. Property owners are permitted to use their property for personal use or long-term rentals (30 days or longer) in the first year of ownership. 2025 STRA license holders who are within their first year of property ownership are exempt from this regulation.
- A license cap of 250 STRA units has been implemented. The license cap allows for incremental growth. In 2024, Huntsville approved 224 STRA licenses. Licenses will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis.
- The number of non-compliance strikes permitted prior to revoking a license is increasing, but the Town is counting all strikes issued within a 2-year period instead. Previously, STRA license holders were able to retain their license if the total number of strikes (penalties) was no more than two strikes a year. Moving forward, the enforcement will extend to three strikes over two years. This is to discourage repeat offenders, as the short strike policy of one year has, in some instances, led to the same offences and strikes being issued annually.
According to officials, existing license holders can submit renewal applications annually between November 1 and the first weekend of February. Licenses are granted on a first-come, first-served basis, and only complete applications will be considered.
New applicants can apply at any time. However, if the license cap has been reached, they must wait until November 1 to submit an application.
Officials said all STRA licenses expire on December 31 of the calendar year. Applicants whose applications are rejected have the right to appeal the decision to the Appeals Committee.
The STRA By-law regulates short-term rentals in the area, requiring all owners to hold a license. This by-law and licensing process allows the Town to ensure that STRAs are safe and meet the provisions of the Town’s Official Plan and CPP By-law.
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