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All operator licences expire Mar 31, 2027Kingston short-term rental operator licence: $203, expires every March 31
Kingston requires a Short-term Rental Operator's Licence for stays of 30 consecutive days or less, including seasonal cottages and cabins inside city limits. Every licence expires on March 31 and must be renewed annually.
Key rules at a glance
| What it's called | Short-term Rental Operator's Licence (Bylaw 2021-10) [source] |
|---|---|
| Who needs it | Owners (or authorized agents) paid for all or part of a dwelling unit for 30 consecutive days or less. Includes B&Bs and seasonal cottages and cabins that are dwelling units. A bunkie used only for sleeping does not qualify. [source] |
| Fee | Currently $203, set by the Fees and Charges Bylaw and subject to change each year. [source] |
| Expiry | Valid from issuance to March 31 each year. Must be renewed annually. An expired licence is no longer valid. [source] |
| Processing | Review can take up to 20 days, with possible circulation to Planning, Building, Fire and Property Standards. [source] |
| Insurance | No minimum liability insurance amount appears on the official licensing page or the bylaw text we reviewed. Not verified. [source] |
| Limits | Operators can run up to two STRs at once. Whole dwelling: 2 per bedroom, max 10 per booking (children 2 and under not counted). [source] |
| Ads | The operator's licence number must appear in any marketing material (Bylaw Part 7). [source] |
| Tax | Municipal Accommodation Tax applies. Operators self-remit. [source] |
| Penalties | Administrative penalties per day of contravention. On conviction, $500 to $10,000 per day (Bylaw s.14.4). [source] |
| Where to apply | Online through MyKingston. Pay by phone or in person at 1211 John Counter Blvd. [source] |
Deadlines
- 2027-03-31: Kingston operator licences expire (all)
Watch out
The bylaw's "3-year licence expiring March 31" (s.8.1) applies to Short-term Rental BROKERAGES (platforms), not to operators. Operators renew every year. Kingston is a city, not classic cottage country, so expect less search demand from cottage owners here.
Tax angle (federal)
Since 2024, the Income Tax Act (s.67.7) has denied deductions for expenses tied to a non-compliant short-term rental. That means a rental of under 90 consecutive days in a place that doesn't permit it, or that doesn't meet all provincial and municipal registration, licence or permit requirements. The denial is prorated by non-compliant days, and the normal reassessment time limits don't apply.
Sources: CRA: Changes to rules for eligible deductions from short-term rental income · Income Tax Act s.67.7 (Justice Laws). Talk to an accountant about your situation.