Short-term rentals are considered a type of accommodation where an individual rents a residence, or a portion of a residence, for a short period of time, generally through internet platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO.

Be a good neighbour

Milton is a friendly and welcoming community. When hosting guests at your short-term rental, please remind them to be courteous to those in your neighbourhood and to follow our community standards:

  • Keep the noise down and follow our Noise By-Law
    • Quiet hours are between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. daily
  • Follow all parking regulations within Town
    • Off-street parking is to be provided by the homeowner
    • Please do not allow renters or guests to block sidewalks or park on lawns
  • Maintain the property
    • Keep the neighbourhood (streets, sidewalks, paths, parks, etc.) free of garbage and litter
    • Failure to maintain the property may result in fines
  • Know your waste pick up schedule

For inquiries regarding noise, parking, disturbances or garbage, please fill out the Town’s contact form or call 905-878-7252 ext. 2137. For inquiries regarding property maintenance, host compliance or advertising discrepancies, please contact the hosting platform directly (Airbnb or VRBO).

Short-term rental license

The Town of Milton completed a short-term rentals study due to the increase in the number of short-term rentals operating in the community.

As defined in the Town's Zoning By-law, a short-term rental is the rental of a dwelling unit or part thereof offering short term lodging for compensation for 28 days or less that does not provide meals or other commercial services. A short-term rental does not include a bed and breakfast establishment.

Effective July 15, 2022, short-term rental owners in Milton must obtain a license. An owner means any person who is a registered beneficial owner of a property or who leases, rents, occupies, maintains, manages, receives rent from or otherwise controls the property.

Owner requirements

A short-term rental owner must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age or older
  • Provide basic information, including contact name and address and be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week (person of contact must respond to calls from Town Enforcement or Police within 24 hours)
  • Provide declaration that the address is their principal residence
  • Provide declaration that tenant/condo owner’s rental agreement or condominium by-law does not prohibit short-rentals
  • Provide approved government-issued identification at time of application
  • Keep records of all short-term rental activity and, if requested, provide those records to the Town
  • Provide 24 hours a day, seven days a week emergency contact information to guests
  • Cap the number of guests per accommodation to two persons per bedroom
  • Pay the annual registration fee of $365
  • Comply with all federal, provincial, and municipal laws including regulations set out within this and any other municipal regulations
  • Remove all online listings and advertisements when directed to do so

How to apply for a license

Follow these steps to find out how to obtain a short-term rental license. 

Step 1

The applicant must come to the Development Services counter at Town Hall to determine if a Certificate of Occupancy can be obtained. 

If staff determine that a Certificate of Occupancy cannot be granted, the applicant can withdraw the application or choose to make an application for a Minor Variance. 

Step 2

If the Certificate of Occupancy is granted, the applicant must pay the user fee. Once paid, the applicant will receive the certificate.

Step 3

The applicant must fill out the following forms: 

  1. Application form
  2. Good neighbour agreement
  3. Rental code of conduct
  4. Short term rental acknowledgement

Step 4

The applicant must bring the application and additional requirements to a Licensing & Enforcement Clerk at Town Hall for processing. At this time, the applicant will also pay the licensing user fee. 

Step 5

A Licensing & Enforcement Clerk will notify the applicant once the required inspections have taken place and whether or not the license can be issued.

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