This by-law makes rules for renting out homes or cottages for short stays (less than 30 nights at a time), such as through Airbnb or VRBO, in the Township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh. It helps balance the interests of owners, visitors, and neighbours by: 

• Making sure rentals are safe and respectful.
• Setting limits to prevent noise, over-crowding, or other problems. 
• Ensuring there’s someone available to deal with issues that come up. 
• Making sure the Township can inspect and regulate these rentals fairly.

Yes. If you want to rent out all or part of your home or cottage for less than 30 nights, you must get a licence from the Township.

1. You can’t rent without a licence. 
2. You can’t rent out tents, boats, trailers, or illegal buildings. 
3. You must follow the rules in your licence. 
4. You must follow occupancy and parking limits.
5. You must display your licence inside the rental.

The number of guests depends on how many bedrooms the rental has: 

• 2 people per bedroom, plus 2 extra people total.
• Maximum of 10 people staying overnight. 
• Kids 12 and under don’t count in this number.

You’ll need:

• An application form 
• Proof of age and ownership (or owner’s permission if you’re a tenant) 
• Contact information for someone available 24/7 within 30 minutes 
• A drawing of your property (can be hand-drawn) 
• A floor plan of your home which includes exits and fire safety equipment (can be hand-drawn) 
• A parking plan and garbage plan 
• Insurance for at least $2 million 
• A signed declaration that you understand the rules

A fee of $350.00 is due with each application. Failure to submit the appropriate fee will result in no licence being issued. Payment can be made at the Municipal Office by cash, cheque, or debit, e-transfer or by mailing a cheque to the Municipal Office, 82133 Council Line, Goderich, ON, N7A 3Y2 (attention: STR Licensing Co-ordinator). 

Cheques should be payable to the ‘Township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh’. 

E-transfers should be sent to accounts@acwtownship.ca and include the STR address. 

Give renters an Information Package with emergency contacts, garbage rules, and more 

• Provide and explain the Renter’s Code of Conduct 
• Be reachable within 30 minutes if something goes wrong 
• Make sure garbage is stored properly and picked up regularly 
• Keep the property clean and safe

You may receive demerit points for violations like too many guests, noise complaints, or not being available. 

• 7 points = suspension of your licence (up to 6 months) 
• 15 points = permanent cancellation of your licence 
• Fines also apply (e.g., $900 for renting without a licence)

Licences last one year. You must renew each year to keep renting.