Kitchener looking for input on short-term rental bylaw

The City of Kitchener is exploring options for licensing properties used as short-term rentals, including platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO. The draft bylaw aims to find a balanced approach that addresses the interests of residents, property owners, and the broader community.

The City of Kitchener, in partnership with the City of Waterloo, is hosting two drop-in information sessions on Monday, Nov. 18 and Wednesday, Nov. 27 to gather input and feedback. These sessions are an opportunity to hear from a broad range of community members.

Staff from both municipalities will be available to answer questions. A representative from Airbnb will also be in attendance for both sessions virtually. Attend the session(s) to:

• learn about different options for regulating short-term rentals,
• get an overview of what other area municipalities are doing to regulate short-term rentals, and
• provide input and feedback.
  

Join us at one of the two input sessions:

Monday, Nov. 18, 2024
6 to 8 p.m.
Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex Pavilion, Meeting Hall (101 Father David Bauer Dr., Entrance C)

Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024
1 to 3 p.m.
Kitchener City Hall, Conestoga Room (200 King St. W.)

To register for an input session visit engagewr.ca/ShortTermRentals

These sessions will provide a valuable opportunity to engage in conversation to inform the draft bylaw.

Currently, Kitchener has over 800 short-term rental properties, which are unregulated, with no city inspections or requirements in place. Licensing short-term rentals within a municipality aims to protect the public interest as it relates to:

• health and safety;
• consumer protection; and
• nuisance control.
  

Learn more and share your feedback on the current licensing framework and options for licensing short-term rentals visit Engage Kitchener at engagewr.ca/ShortTermRentals