City of Kingston hosting Short-Term Rental info sessions

The City of Kingston wants to offer information and advice to those looking to operate a short-term rental on websites such as AirBnb.

From May 12 to 27, 2021, the City will be hosting two sessions per week on its Short-term Rental Licensing Program.

“Staff are excited to be working with residents on the introduction of this new licensing program,” Supervisor of Licensing and Enforcement Dan Hazell said. “These workshops will review the licensing process and operator guidelines, and we’re committed to working with current and prospective operators to ensure that everyone understands this new program.”

Those interested in taking part in the online sessions through Zoom can register online, there are six sessions in total: 

               * May 12 at 12 p.m. 

               * May 13 at 6 p.m. 

               * May 19 at 12 p.m. 

               * May 20 at 6 p.m. 

               * May 26 at 12 p.m. 

               * May 27 at 6 p.m. 

Included in each session is a 30-minute presentation, along with a Question and Answer period with staff. 

“The Short-term Rental Licensing Bylaw to license and regulate short-term rental properties is intended to provide a safe and healthy variety of accommodation options to support Kingston’s tourism industry and allow residents to use their properties to earn additional income,” a City of Kingston news release stated. “It will help protect the community’s existing inventory of long-term rental housing and will aid in responding to associated health, safety and nuisance concerns.”

The City’s Short-term Rental Licensing Bylaw takes effect on June 1, 2021 and all operators will be required to license their short-term rental. City Staff will also introduce a voluntary compliance period of six months starting on June 1, to transition current operators to the new licensing program.