Lodging House Bylaw Review

We are reviewing our licensing bylaws to improve resident health and safety, consumer protection, and nuisance control. The City of Kitchener currently licenses Lodging Houses otherwise known as rooming houses. We do not currently license short-term accommodation or property rentals.

As part of this review, we are updating the existing Lodging House bylaw. We are also considering expanding the bylaw to license other types of rental properties, specifically short-term rentals. This could include licensing rentals of:

• accommodations (examples: AirBnb or VRBO)
• accessory units (such a tiny homes or sheds)
• driveways or parking spots
• pools or backyards

As part of this review, we want to hear from:

• landlords and property owners
• tenants and renters
• neighbours and residents

Help us understand:

• your experiences with the lodging house bylaw and how we might improve
• the impact that short-term rentals have on our community
• how expanded licensing might affect both property owners and renters

Please note that we are not considering a comprehensive rental bylaw at this time. If you answer a survey, you will be asked to share whether there is community interest or need to explore this option in the future.

Background

As part of our regular program of reviewing and updating our bylaws, we are updating our Lodging House bylaw. The current review will consider Kitchener’s Housing for All strategy for making housing across Kitchener more affordable. It will also consider the findings of the Lower Doon Secondary Plan Study, which recommended reducing the minimum distance separation between lodging houses in Kitchener.

Stay Informed

We anticipate presenting our final report in 2024. Please subscribe to stay informed by clicking the Subscribe button in the top right-hand corner.