Enforcement of short-term rental operator registration set to begin in October

Thunder Bay is reminding short-term rental property operators that they are required to register their properties with the city.

Short-term rental properties are considered accommodations rented for less than 30 consecutive days at a time.

The requirement to register includes individuals who occasionally make their personal residences available for rent via online platforms like Airbnb and VRBO.

Non-compliance notices were issued earlier to operators that the city has identified as not registered.

Any operator who fails to register by September 30 may face enforcement measures starting in October.

“Registration is not optional, it’s a legal requirement”, said Manager of Licensing and Enforcement, Adam Carruthers. “Operators are required to collect and remit the MAT. Those who do not comply may face significant fines and legal action.”

Operators who violate the by-law are subject to fines ranging from $500 to $10,000 per day.

More information on the Municipal Accommodation Tax By-law, and how to register your short-term rental property, can be found by clicking here.