The City of Thunder Bay is reminding operators of short-term rental properties (accommodations rented for less than 30 consecutive days at a time), that they are required to register their rental properties with the City under the Municipal Accommodation Tax By-law. The requirement to register includes individuals who occasionally make their personal residences available for rent via online platforms like Airbnb, VRBO etc.

Non-compliance notices were issued earlier to operators the City has identified as not registered. Any operator who fails to register by September 30, 2025 may face enforcement measures starting in October. 

"Registration is not optional - it's a legal requirement”, said Adam Carruthers, Manager of Licensing and Enforcement. “Operators are required to collect and remit the MAT. Those who do not comply may face significant fines and legal action."

Operators found to be in violation of the by-law are subject to fines ranging from $500 to $10,000 per day.

Guidance, forms, and more details about the MAT are available at thunderbay.ca/mat

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Media Contact: Adam Carruthers, Manager of Licensing and Enforcement, adam.carruthers@thunderbay.ca, 807-577-MLEO (6536)