Town by town

Muskoka short-term rental rules

A sample of what members see for their own town, with the rules that catch hosts out.

Checked Oct 3 to 5, 2026

Licence required

Licence fee: New $750 (principal home) or $1,000 (secondary). Renewal $375 or $750
Renew by: Opens Nov 1, due Dec 31 to keep your spot
Accommodation tax (MAT): Must be collected on stays under 30 days
Watch out: Cap of 250 licences. Must own the property 1 full year before applying. 3 valid complaints in 2 years means the licence is revoked

Licence required

Licence fee: $1,500 a year, plus inspection time billed hourly
Inspections: Building and fire inspections before the licence is issued
Accommodation tax (MAT): 4%, in effect since Oct 1, 2025
Watch out: Septic pump-out proof dated within 5 years, insurance certificate, floor plans

Licence required

Licence fee: $800 for 2026
Valid: Jan 1 to Dec 31 of the year issued
Accommodation tax (MAT): 4%, reported and paid each quarter through the ORHMA portal: Jan 15, Apr 15, Jul 15, Oct 15. File every quarter you are licensed, even with zero revenue
Renewal: Submit your last 4 quarterly tax reports to Licensing before you renew
Watch out: Licence needed before you advertise. Site plan must show septic, well and parking

Licence required

By-law: Short-term rental licensing By-law 2025-049, stays of 28 days or less
Licence fee: $1,000 a year on waterfront or R4 lots, $500 in other zones
Renewal: The township emails a renewal notice 60 days before your licence expires. Apply through its online portal
Occupancy: 2 people per bedroom, more only if your septic system supports it
Watch out: Summer rules apply to bookings from May 1, 2026. Plan next summer's calendar around them

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