MUSKOKA LAKES, ON – On Wednesday August 14, Council approved a Short Term Rental Accommodation Licensing By-Law for the Township of Muskoka Lakes. While the by-law has been approved, it will not come into effect until January 1, 2025.
Confirm that your STR property is in a location where STRs are allowed. This includes ensuring compliance with zoning by-laws and verifying if you need additional permits or approvals.
STR properties must have operated for at least one year before the bylaw’s passing, or new ones must get a license before operating.
You will need:
Proof of ownership (deed, parcel registry, etc.)
A floor plan with locations of bedrooms, fire alarms, extinguishers, and exits.
A site map showing the property layout, including parking areas, and waste disposal. Can also be hand drawn and not to scale.
Proof of liability insurance with a minimum of $2 million coverage, specifically noting that STR is being operated on the property. To learn more about short term rental insurance providers, we have created a list of the top insurers: https://www.homeseekervacation.com/blog/b/airbnb-insurance-providers-in-ontario
Download or request the STR application form from the Township’s website.
If you have any questions about the Short Term Rental Accommodation Licensing By-Law, reach out to the By-Law Division at [email protected] or 705-765-3156 x 358.
Include personal information such as your name, address, and contact details.
If someone else is managing the property for you, provide a written authorization letter for the agent.
Download a copy of the authorization letter.
Ensure your property complies with safety regulations: install and maintain smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and fire extinguishers.
Your property may need to pass building code and fire safety inspections before approval.
Submit your complete application along with the necessary documents and fees to the Township’s Development Services Department.
Short Term Rental Accommodation Licensing By-Law, reach out to the By-Law Division at [email protected] or 705-765-3156 x 358.
Follow occupancy limits (typically 2 people per bedroom) and display the STR license number in all online listings and at the rental property.
Ensure compliance with local noise, parking, and garbage disposal rules.
Keep track of your license status and renew it every two years, ensuring that any changes to your STR property are reported within 15 days.
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We provide homeowners with tools, strategies, and vendor connections to optimize their short-term rental’s performance and minimize hassle, including:
✅ Listing Optimization – We assist property owners in optimizing their Airbnb, Vrbo, and Expedia listings by providing expert recommendations and marketing strategies.
✅ Dynamic Pricing – We maximize your revenue by adjusting prices based on demand, local events, and seasonality.
✅ Guest Communication – We provide property owners with best practices for guest communication, including templated responses and automation tools to enhance their booking experience.
✅ Cleaning & Maintenance – We connect property owners with trusted cleaning and maintenance professionals to help maintain a high-quality rental experience.
✅ Check-In & Check-Out Management – We help property owners implement secure and efficient check-in solutions, including keyless entry recommendations, to streamline guest access.
✅ Review Management – We provide review response strategies and guidance to help property owners maintain a strong online reputation.
✅ Revenue Reporting – Monthly performance reports and insights to help you scale your earnings.
Commission-Based – We offer a revenue-based pricing for our homeowner support and marketing services.
We have a proven track record of helping property owners maximize their short-term rental success. We support you with:
✅ Guest screening recommendations – We provide property owners with best practices and third-party tools to help them screen guests effectively.
✅ Professional cleaners & maintenance referrals – We connect property owners with trusted service providers to help maintain their property in top condition.
✅ Performance insights – We provide owners with occupancy trends, revenue reports, and guest feedback analysis to optimize their listing.
Your property’s success is our success. The better it performs, the more value we create together! 🚀
We provide multiple safeguards to help property owners protect their investment:
✔️ Guest screening recommendations – We provide property owners with best practices and third-party tools to help them screen guests effectively.
✔️ Security deposits & insurance guidance – We assist property owners in setting up Airbnb’s Host Guarantee, Vrbo’s Property Protection, and other coverage options.
✔️ Smart locks & monitoring – We recommend and guide property owners in implementing keyless entry and noise monitoring solutions for added security.
✔️ House rules communication – We help property owners establish clear house rules and provide strategies for reinforcing them with guests.
Additionally, we encourage all property owners to carry short-term rental insurance for added protection.
Absolutely! You have full control over your calendar. If you want to use your property for personal stays, just block off the dates in your booking platform.
Yes! We offer optional setup services to help property owners enhance their rental’s appeal:
🛋️ Furniture & Décor Selection – We help create a stylish and inviting space that stands out in listing photos.
📸 Professional Photography – High-quality images to showcase your property and improve listing visibility.
📍 Amenity Recommendations – We suggest high-value amenities like hot tubs, smart TVs, coffee makers, and workspaces to help attract more guests and improve guest satisfaction.
💼 Step 1: Onboarding (1-2 days) – We gather property details, provide recommendations, and customize our approach.
📝 Step 2: Listing Creation (3-5 days) – We optimize your Airbnb/Vrbo listing with professional photos, descriptions, and strategic pricing recommendations.
🚀 Step 3: Go Live! (5-7 days) – Your listing is fully optimized and ready for property owners to manage reservations and maximize their earnings.
Most property owners see increased listing visibility and guest inquiries within the first two weeks.
We provide multiple layers of guidance to help property owners protect their investment:
1️⃣ Airbnb/Vrbo Host Protection – Airbnb offers a $3M host guarantee for damages, and Vrbo provides property protection options.
2️⃣ Security Deposits – We help property owners set appropriate deposit policies for added protection.
3️⃣ Short-Term Rental Insurance (Recommended) – We encourage property owners to obtain an STR insurance policy for full coverage.
4️⃣ Guest Screening Best Practices – We provide property owners with tools and strategies to help them screen guests effectively and minimize risks.
If damages occur, we guide property owners on how to handle claims and navigate Airbnb/Vrbo’s protection programs.
While we cannot guarantee a specific number of bookings (as market demand fluctuates), we provide property owners with strategies to enhance listing performance:
✅ Dynamic pricing guidance – We provide recommendations to help you adjust rates based on market trends, local events, and seasonality.
✅ Optimized listings – We help improve listing appeal with high-quality photos, engaging descriptions, and strategic keyword placement.
✅ Multi-platform visibility – We guide property owners on listing their rentals across platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Expedia to expand their reach.
Our goal is to help property owners increase their property’s visibility and appeal to attract more potential guests.
Ready to optimize your short-term rental? Here’s how to begin:
1️⃣ Schedule a Free Consultation – We discuss your goals and property details.
2️⃣ Property Onboarding – We assist with listing optimization, pricing recommendations, and marketing strategies.
3️⃣ Go Live & Take Control – Your listing is fully set up, and you manage reservations while we support you with expert insights.
📞 Call/Text: 705-996-6799
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.homeseekervacation.com
We empower property owners with the tools and strategies to maximize their rental’s potential—stress-free! 🚀
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