Cottage rental licensing in Muskoka & Haliburton

Dysart et al

• Short-term rental licensing program launched in October 2024.
• The application checklist asks for a certificate of insurance with at least $2,000,000 liability that names the property as a short-term rental.
• Also required: a site plan (parking, buildings, septic and well), a fire-safety plan, photos of the cottage and any bunkie, and proof of septic maintenance.
• Occupancy is limited to 2 people per bedroom.

Source: Municipality of Dysart et al, Short-Term Rentals

Minden Hills

• Short-term rental by-law in effect since October 1, 2024; applications are made online.
• The owner, their agent or a named Responsible Person must respond within 60 minutes to an emergency or by-law issue.

Source: Township of Minden Hills, Short-Term Rental Accommodation

Algonquin Highlands & Highlands East

• Algonquin Highlands requires guests to sign a Code of Conduct, with supporting documents such as the licence and floor plan attached.
• Highlands East: we check the current rules during your assessment.

Muskoka Lakes

• All short-term rentals need a township licence.
• Summer rental restrictions apply from May 1, 2026, including a required monthly summer break and only one rental group every six nights.
• The operator or property manager must be able to attend within one hour of a by-law complaint.
• Occupancy is 2 people per bedroom, unless you show your septic system can handle more.

Sources: Township of Muskoka Lakes, Cottage Life

Huntsville

• Huntsville licenses short-term rentals under its Short-Term Rentals By-law, with inspections as part of the process.

Lake of Bays, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst & Georgian Bay

• Rules differ by township and are changing. We check the current by-law for your address as part of your free assessment.