Hamilton short-term rental bylaw banning commercial operators starts next month

Hamilton short-term rental operators will need to register with the city in the coming weeks as part of a new bylaw.

Hamilton short-term rental operators will need to register with the city in the coming weeks as part of a new bylaw. The bylaw makes it illegal for property owners to rent out homes for more than 28 consecutive days on sites like Airbnb if they don't actually live there.

Residents who rent out a spare bedroom, or their entire home for up to two months of the year, both of which are allowed under the new bylaw, can sign up for the required licence beginning Dec. 1, the city said in a news release Tuesday. They will be required to pay an application fee and provide proof it is their principal residence on government records.

Application fees range from $200 to $1,000 depending on the type of short-term rental, with annual renewal fees. A bylaw officer will inspect the property to ensure the unit or room meets the fire code and property standards, says the city's website.