Short-term rental rules in Huntsville, Ontario

The rules today

Who can host	Anyone renting a room or unit for 30 days or less needs a licence. The owner must have held the property 12 months before operating (by-law 3.16; web page says one full year before applying). Licence is for a primary single-family dwelling or a unit in a tourist establishment; B&Bs (owner-occupied, max 2 guest rooms) are outside the by-law. Fees differ for principal vs secondary residence. Source
Where it is allowed	Only in precincts of the Community Planning Permit By-law that permit short term rental/tourist uses. Per Town web page, STRAs are no longer permitted in the Urban Low Density Precinct (UR1) as of Sept 2025; existing licensed UR1 STRAs may continue (exception lapses if unlicensed for over two years). Check the Community Planning Permit By-law for your property. Source
Limits	Maximum 2 persons per guest room and never more than 10 occupants (age 4 and over, overnight). At least one parking space per guest room on a hard-surfaced driveway. You cannot advertise more occupants than licensed. The Town's web page states a town-wide cap of 250 licences, first come first served; the by-law text we read does not mention the cap, so confirm it with the Town. Source
Licence process	Apply online via Cloudpermit. New applications open Jan 1, must be complete (incl. onsite inspection) by Oct 31; renewals open Nov 1, priority if complete by Dec 31; renewals after first full weekend of February are denied and must reapply as new. Licence expires Dec 31 of year issued, not transferable, ends on sale. Needs proof of ownership, ID/age, insurance, floor/site/fire plans, MAT return form, septic report if septic 25+ years. Must be reachable in 30 min and on site within 60 min. Copy of licence must be posted on exterior side of main entry door. Source
Fees	Web page lists 2027 fees: new $750 principal residence / $1,000 secondary; renewal $375 principal / $750 secondary. By-law defers amounts to Fees and Charges By-law. Fees non-refundable, not prorated. Source
Taxes	4% Municipal Accommodation Tax on stays of 30 days or less incl. short-term rentals, By-law 2025-58 (passed May 26, 2025). STR providers remit quarterly (due last day of month after quarter end). 1.25% late charge plus 1.25%/month interest. Unpaid MAT can lead to licence revocation. Signed MAT return form required with licence application. Source
Penalties	Set fines (Sch. B/C): $400 breach of renters code, $500 over-occupancy, $500 obstruction, $350 contact info failure, $350 not parking on hard surface. Court max fine $5,000 per s.15.1 (individual maxima up to $25,000 first offence / $50,000 subsequent under s.15.4; corporations $50,000/$100,000); each day a new offence. Administrative penalties per Fees and Charges By-law. Strike system (Sch. D): 1-2 strikes per offence; 3+ strikes in 2 years may lead to revocation. Unlicensed operation/advertising prohibited (3.1, 3.2). Health-and-safety suspension up to 14 days. Source

What changed in Huntsville

• March 25, 2026

  Staff report '2025 Annual Short Term Rental Program Review' went to General Committee

  What hosts should do: Watch for further by-law amendments.

  Source

• September 1, 2025

  STRAs no longer permitted in UR1 precinct for new operators (per Town page)

  What hosts should do: Check your precinct before buying/applying.

  Source

Sources

• Short Term Rental Licensing (Town page) (page updated no date shown (footer 2026))
• By-law 2025-19 STRA licensing (consolidated, passed Feb 24, 2025, amended by 2025-63, 2025-121) (page updated enacted 2025-02-24)
• By-law 2025-58 Municipal Accommodation Tax (page updated enacted 2025-05-26)
• Municipal Accommodation Tax (Town page) (page updated no date shown (footer 2026))
• By-laws and Policies index (page updated no date shown)

General information for hosts, not legal or tax advice. This page summarises the official sources above as of November 12, 2026. Check the source and your town before you act. See an error? Tell us and we will re-check it.