The City of London is receiving $1.08 million over three years from the Government of Canada to strengthen local enforcement of short-term rental rules. The funding is part of the federal Short-Term Rental Enforcement Fund, which supports municipalities working to reduce the impact of short-term rentals on housing availability and neighbourhood well-being.
Short-term rentals - such as those listed on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo - have become more common in recent years. While these rentals offer flexible options for travellers, they can also remove homes from the long-term rental market and lead to community concerns around noise, safety, and waste.
To help address these issues, London’s Short-Term Accommodation By-law came into effect on October 1, 2022. The by-law requires short-term rental hosts and advertising platforms operating in London to obtain a licence. Properties must be the host’s primary residence and can only be rented for short periods, up to 29 consecutive days.
With this new federal funding, the City will be able to expand enforcement efforts including hiring more officers, increasing inspections, and providing education and outreach to rental operators.
Funding breakdown
2025: $380,000
2025–2026: $350,000
2026–2027: $350,000
Total: $1,080,000
Quotes
The Short-Term Rental Enforcement Fund is helping address housing challenges by limiting short-term rentals that take away units from the long-term housing market. This funding is supporting the City of London to deliver short-term rental enforcement and compliance activities directly in the community.”
Peter Fragiskatos, Member of Parliament for London Centre and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
"This federal funding better equips us to protect neighbourhoods and preserve long-term housing for Londoners. It ensures we have the tools to enforce the rules while continuing to support responsible short-term rental operators.”
Mayor Josh Morgan
“We’ve made good progress since the by-law came into effect, and this additional support from the Government of Canada will help us go further. It will help us respond faster to complaints, carry out investigations, and work with platforms and hosts to improve overall compliance.”
Amanda Pfeffer, Director, Municipal Compliance