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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Ontario, CA

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals (hosted and un-hosted) are restricted to specific residential and mixed-use zones (e.g., AR-2, RE-2, MU-1); vacation rentals (non-primary residences) are prohibited. Hosts must prove primary residency with two documents (e.g., driver's license, tax records). Un-hosted stays are capped at 90 days per year, while hosted stays have no limit; additional rules include parking minimums, 24-hour local contact, and public-facing camera requirements.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Submit a complete Short-Term Rental Permit application online via the City Citizen Portal with required documents including site/floor plans, parking plans, and proof of primary residency. 2) Pay the nonrefundable processing fee and schedule a property inspection with city staff within 30 days. 3) Upon approval, the permit is valid for 12 months and must be renewed annually with a new inspection and fee.

Official Resources

Official Ontario STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Ontario, CA?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Ontario, CA, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals (hosted and un-hosted) are restricted to specific residential and mixed-use zones (e.g., AR-2, RE-2, MU-1); vacation rentals (non-primary residences) are prohibited. Hosts must prove primary residency with two documents (e.g., driver's license, tax records). Un-hosted stays are capped at 90 days per year, while hosted stays have no limit; additional rules include parking minimums, 24-hour local contact, and public-facing camera requirements. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Ontario, CA?
Short-term rentals (hosted and un-hosted) are restricted to specific residential and mixed-use zones (e.g., AR-2, RE-2, MU-1); vacation rentals (non-primary residences) are prohibited. Hosts must prove primary residency with two documents (e.g., driver's license, tax records). Un-hosted stays are capped at 90 days per year, while hosted stays have no limit; additional rules include parking minimums, 24-hour local contact, and public-facing camera requirements.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Ontario?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Ontario. 1) Submit a complete Short-Term Rental Permit application online via the City Citizen Portal with required documents including site/floor plans, parking plans, and proof of primary residency. 2) Pay the nonrefundable processing fee and schedule a property inspection with city staff within 30 days. 3) Upon approval, the permit is valid for 12 months and must be renewed annually with a new inspection and fee.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Ontario?
1) Submit a complete Short-Term Rental Permit application online via the City Citizen Portal with required documents including site/floor plans, parking plans, and proof of primary residency. 2) Pay the nonrefundable processing fee and schedule a property inspection with city staff within 30 days. 3) Upon approval, the permit is valid for 12 months and must be renewed annually with a new inspection and fee.
Is Vrbo legal in Ontario, CA?
Vrbo is permitted in Ontario, CA under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Ontario?
Short-term rental hosts in Ontario are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Ontario?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Ontario. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.
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Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction