The creation of Kingsville's STR Licensing Program was a thorough process that included multiple stages of policy review and development, as well as public consultation with residents and stakeholders.
The Short-Term Rental Licensing Program was initiated by the Town of Kingsville to address community concerns and to ensure all rentals operate in accordance with the Short-Term Rental By-law, the Ontario Fire Code, and Town By-laws.

Yes, all Short-Term Rental operators require an STR Licence. The time frame your property is available for rentals does not impact your need for a licence.

No, the definition of a Short-Term Rental is specific to rentals of 28 days or less. However, the Town does licence Boarding, Lodging and Rooming Houses (BLRH) which are rented or provided to occupants on a long-term basis of 28 days or more. This does not apply to long-term rentals under the Residential Tenancies Act. For more information, check out the details below.

1. Address of the STR Property
2. Applicant's Contact Information
3. Property Owner's Contact Information, if not the applicant
4. Authorization Letter from Property Owner, if not the applicant
5. Copy of Government-Issued Photo Identification with Address, if STR is owner/occupied
6. Agent's Contact Information, if not the applicant
7. Property Tax Rate of the STR Property
8. Number of Bedrooms Available
9. Number of On-Site Parking Spaces Available
10. Certificate of Insurance
11. Satisfactory Fire Inspection
12. Satisfactory Criminal Record Check of the Applicant

Yes, the Kingsville Fire Department will contact you to schedule an inspection once an STR Licence application is submitted. Please note that the following fees are set in the Town's Fees and Charges By-law and will apply at the time of the inspection:

• Residential STR Fire Inspection (Up to four Occupants) - $150.00
• Residential STR Fire Inspection (Up to six Occupants) - $200.00
• Residential STR Fire Inspection (Up to eight Occupants) - $250.00
• Residential STR Fire Inspection (Up to ten Occupants) - $300.00
• Commercial STR Fire Inspection - $500.00*

*If there are ten or fewer occupants, the corresponding "residential" fire inspection rate will apply.

Yes, you will be required to provide a Certificate of Insurance that includes the following:

• A liability limit of no less than two million dollars ($2,000,000) per occurrence for property damage and bodily injury
• Specifically note the operation of the property as a Short-Term Rental; and
• Endorsed to the effect that the Corporation of the Town of Kingsville be given at least 30 days' notice in writing of any cancellation or material variation to the policy

Maximum occupancy for operators who pay the Residential Property Tax Rate is two people per bedroom, plus two additional people, not to exceed ten people.

Operators that pay a Commercial Property Tax Rate are exempt from the occupancy limits

Short-Term Rentals must be 300 metres away from each other to receive an STR Licence from the Town. Your application will not be approved if your property is within 300 metres of another Short-Term Rental. If you are unsure if you meet this requirement, please get in touch with the Town at 519-733-2305 or licensing@kingsville.ca before making your application. Properties located within the Downtown STR Area (Main Street Corridor) are exempt from the distance separation requirement.

On-site parking spaces are required based on the number of occupants permitted:

• One on-site parking space for one to four occupants
• Two on-site parking spaces for five to eight occupants
• Three on-site parking spaces for nine to ten occupants

Properties located within the Downtown STR Area (Main Street Corridor) are exempt from the parking requirements.

Every licensee shall:

• Display the STR Licence in the main entranceway of the STR
• Include the STR Licence Number on any online advertisements
• Ensure the Applicant or Agent is available to attend the STR property within 60 minutes of a complaint, concern or emergency to resolve the issue
• Maintain the STR in a clean and sanitary condition
• Ensure the STR does not cause a disturbance or nuisance
• Do not permit any person to occupy any cellar, garage, lobby, hallway, closet, bathroom, laundry room, stairway or kitchen for sleeping purposes

No, STR Licences issued by the Town are not transferrable. In the event of a change of ownership, the new owner is required to submit a new application. In order to continue to qualify for an exemption from the distance separation requirement, the new owner is required to complete a new application within 90 days of taking ownership of the STR property.

Yes, STR Licences are valid for one year from the date of issuance. You will be required to renew your licence annually. More information on the renewal process will be provided at that time.

By-law 82-2024 states that no person shall operate, permit a person to operate, or hold themselves out as being licensed to operate a Short-Term Rental without a licence issued by the Town. Operating a Short-Term Rental without a Town licence may result in enforcement action, including fines.