Short-term Rental Accommodation Licences

Application Requirements:

1. Complete Application (an application does not guarantee a licence)
2. Site Plan (Drawing Example)
3. Responsible Person Form (to be submitted with application)
4. Renters Code of Conduct(only sign top half of form for application)
5. Photo ID
6. Proof of Ownership

if you are applying on behalf of someone, or having someone applying on your behalf, please include the Authorization to Act as an Agent Form. There is no save feature on the application form, it must be filled out entirely when you submit it.

Licence Information:

• The Licence fee is $750.00.
• The Licence fee can be paid within the online application, via credit card (Visa and Mastercard only). Alternatively, payments can be made within 72 hours from submitting your application, at the Town of Gravenhurst Municipal office. We accept credit (Visa or Mastercard only), debit, and cash.
• The Licence is valid January 1 - December 31 of the year it was issued.

Municipal Accommodation Tax:

• The Municipal Accommodation Tax, or MAT, is a 4% tax charged on the cost of fixed roof transient accommodations sold for a continuous period of less than 30 days within the boundaries of the Town of Gravenhurst and is applicable to all licensed STRs.
• The tax applies to all accommodation sold for a continuous period of less than 30 days in a hotel, motel, lodge, inn, hostel, bed and breakfast or dwelling unit or any place an accommodation is provided. The tax would be applicable to roofed accommodations at campgrounds that have hydro AND water.

How do I get set up for reporting and remitting the MAT and when is it due?:

•  Shortly after receiving approval for your Short Term Rental Accommodation Licence, owners will receive an email invitation to an online reporting and remittance tool. This email will come from the Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association (ORHMA). 
• The Municipal Accommodation Tax collected for Short Term Rentals will be remitted quarterly. For example reporting and remitting will be due on the 15th day of April 15th for Q1 (January, February and March), July 15th for Q2 (April, May and June), October 15th for Q3 (July, August and September) and January 15th, 2024 for Q4 (October, November and December).

General Information:

It is expected that those who are renting your STR abide by the Town's by-laws during their stay. The 'Helpful Links' section includes quick links to by-laws and renting information you can provide your guests.

• Please visit our Good Neighbour website for detailed information for those who own a local Short-Term Rental.
• Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT)
• Short-term Rental Licensing By-law
• Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) By-law
• By-laws and Policies

The Town has began sharing  informational Newsletters for the Short-Term Rentals Program. Please Sign up for the Newsletter to be kept up to date! 

How do I know if I need a short-term rental licence?

A short-term rental licence (a business licence issued by the town) is required if you plan to rent your home or cottage for 28 days or less – a licence is required before you can advertise your rental.

How do I apply for a licence?

You can visit our website at Gravenhurst.ca.

What is required when applying for a licence?

A complete application.

This includes:

• a site plan
• a responsible person form
• a renter’s code of conduct form
• photo ID
• proof of ownership
• authorization to act as agent form (if applicable)
• licence fee

What might prohibit me from obtaining my licence? 

• Incomplete application
• tax arrears
• outstanding fees or fines
• municipal orders or notices
• incomplete site plan
• improper zoning
• buildings or other structures constructed without permit
• septic capacity
• outstanding Municipal Accommodation Tax account balance

What is an acceptable site plan?

Site Plan means a scaled and detailed plan depicting the full extent of the premises.

This includes the following:

• the location and dimensions of all buildings and structures on the property
• the location of any septic systems, including the tank and distribution pipes
• the location of any wells 
• the location of the required and permitted parking spaces

See an example of a site plan. 

How long does the application process take?

Given that there can be an influx of applications, we are unable to give an exact timeline for review.

The town will be working diligently to circulate applications to all relevant departments and review applications as quickly and efficiently as possible.

What type of structures am I allowed to rent?

You can rent your house or cottage (dwelling unit).

What type of structures are prohibited?

• Sleeping cabins (bunkies)
• Trailers/tents
• Barns
• Garages/sheds

If you have questions about what you are allowed to rent, please contact us before submitting your application.

How do I know that my licence application has been approved and how long is it valid?

Licensing officers from the town’s Legislative Services Department will advise of approval by e-mail.

Each licence is valid for the calendar year in which it was applied.

For example, if you applied in 2025 your licence is valid until the end of the year.

When can I apply for my licence?

You can apply within the calendar year, prior to advertising/and or renting your short-term rental accommodation.

Am I required to pay the Municipal Accommodation Tax if I am renting out my property?

Yes. As per the town’s Municipal Accommodation Tax bylaw you are required to submit your tax payment.

For details, see our website. 

What can happen if I don’t apply for a licence?

The town may pursue legal action, including issues, orders notices, or fines.