Thinking about turning a property in Clearview, Oakville into a short-term rental? You are not alone. The neighbourhood’s waterfront proximity and easy access to Toronto make it a natural draw for weekend getaways and extended stays. Still, the rules, taxes and day-to-day operations are different from a traditional rental. This guide walks you through what matters most so you can invest with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Why Clearview short-term rentals appeal
Clearview blends small-town charm with urban convenience. Guests come for Oakville’s waterfront, parks, cultural venues and proximity to Toronto, which creates steady leisure and business demand through much of the year. Local events add booking spikes, so it pays to track community calendars like the Visit Oakville events guide.
Summer typically brings higher nightly rates and occupancy, with softer midweek demand in winter. Third-party market tools show a mix of entire homes and private rooms, with family and group stays common. Treat vendor data as directional and verify numbers before you buy; the Oakville market snapshot is a useful starting point.
Start with the rules
Who can host and where
Oakville permits short-term accommodations for stays of 28 days or less, but you must be licensed before you advertise or host. The Town expects the operator to be the principal resident of the dwelling being listed, and zoning approval is required for the address. Bed and Breakfasts are a distinct category with their own permissions. Review the Town’s requirements on the Short-Term Accommodation licence page.
How to get licensed
You apply for an Operator Licence and must display the licence number in every listing. The application typically includes:
-
Proof of ownership or consent, plus zoning clearance
-
Property maintenance and parking plan, and a floor plan
-
Electrical Safety Authority certificate and HVAC inspection report
-
Criminal reference check
-
Proof of insurance naming the STR activity with at least $2 million liability
You can confirm definitions and prohibitions in the Town’s Short-Term Accommodation Licensing By-law.
Operating obligations
Once licensed, you must give guests a renter code of conduct, keep renter records, and follow any parking and occupancy conditions tied to your licence. Licence numbers must appear on all advertisements and platforms. Non-compliance can lead to penalties or licence revocation under the Town’s Administrative Penalty System.
Taxes you must plan for
4% Municipal Accommodation Tax
Oakville charges a 4% Municipal Accommodation Tax on stays under 30 days. Understand whether your platform collects and remits this for you or if you must remit directly. Details and remittance guidance are on the Town’s Municipal Accommodation Tax page.
Income reporting and CRA deductibility
You must report short-term rental income to the Canada Revenue Agency. CRA may treat it as rental income or business income depending on the services you offer. Importantly, starting January 1, 2024, CRA can deny expense deductions if your STR is not compliant with required municipal licences and permits. Learn more in CRA’s housing-related tax tips and the platform economy overview.
GST/HST and possible change of use
Short-term accommodation is generally a taxable supply for GST/HST. If your taxable supplies exceed the small supplier threshold of $30,000 over four consecutive quarters, you must register, collect and remit GST/HST. If a property is used predominantly for taxable short-term stays, a sale could trigger GST/HST or a change-of-use consequence. CRA’s real property rules are summarized here.
Condos, lenders and the fine print
Condominiums can restrict STRs
Even when Town rules allow STRs, a condominium corporation can prohibit or limit them through its declaration, bylaws or rules. Review documents and get written confirmation before you buy or list. Ontario case law shows these restrictions carry legal weight; see an example discussed here.
Financing and disclosure
Lenders often treat properties used primarily as short-term rentals differently from owner-occupied or long-term rentals. This can affect product options, rates and underwriting. Disclose intended STR use early to avoid mortgage compliance issues.
Enforcement and penalties
Oakville enforces STR rules through its Administrative Penalty System, which can include escalating fines and licence consequences. Keep accurate records and respond quickly to any Town inquiries. You can review the policy framework here.
Market and seasonality basics
What drives bookings in Clearview
Guests choose Clearview for its family-friendly streets, quick access to Oakville’s lakeside parks, and proximity to Toronto. Local festivals and shows at community venues generate weekend spikes, while Sheridan College activity can support midweek stays. Track event calendars like Visit Oakville to plan pricing and minimum stays.
Seasonality and pricing strategy
Expect stronger demand from late spring through summer, with softer winter weekdays. Data vendors typically show a larger share of entire-home listings serving family and group travel. Use third-party analytics such as the Oakville market report for modeling, then validate with current data before making offers.
Cost and revenue modeling
Costs to include in your pro forma
-
Town licence and renewal fees
-
Inspections and any upgrades to meet Building or Fire Code
-
STR-specific insurance premiums
-
Cleaning, linens and turnover supplies
-
Platform fees and optional property management fees
-
Utilities, lawn and snow service, routine maintenance
-
MAT remittances, GST/HST where applicable
-
Contingency for administrative penalties if non-compliant
Revenue and underwriting tips
Set conservative occupancy for winter months and stress test cash flow at lower-than-average occupancy. Entire-home listings can capture family and group demand, but quality and consistency matter. Invest in professional presentation and responsive guest service to lift reviews and repeat bookings.
Operations checklist
-
Confirm zoning eligibility and, if applicable, condo rules in writing
-
Apply for the Town’s Short-Term Accommodation Operator Licence and display the licence number on all ads
-
Complete required inspections and maintain records
-
Secure insurance that explicitly covers short-term rental activity with at least $2 million liability
-
Provide a renter code of conduct and post emergency contact details
-
Set up MAT and, if required, GST/HST collection and remittance
-
Establish cleaning, maintenance and on-call procedures to minimize neighbour impacts
-
Keep detailed income, expense and compliance records for CRA
Is a Clearview STR right for you?
Short-term rentals can deliver strong seasonal revenue in Clearview, Oakville if you plan for licensing, taxes and professional operations. The best results come from properties that meet zoning, fit the principal residence rule and offer guest-friendly layouts and parking. If a condo board or financing terms limit STR use, a long-term or mid-term approach may suit your goals better. If you want help assessing a specific property or exit strategy, we are here to guide your next step.
Ready to explore short-term rental opportunities or alternatives that fit your goals? Reach out to the Larose Team for local guidance and a calm, concierge process from analysis to closing.
FAQs
In Oakville, do I need a licence to list on Airbnb or VRBO?
Yes, Oakville requires a Short-Term Accommodation Operator Licence for stays of 28 days or less, and you must display the licence number on every listing; see the Town’s guidance on the licensing page.
Are Oakville short-term rentals limited to principal residences?
The Town expects the operator to be the principal resident of the dwelling being listed, and you must also meet zoning and other licence conditions outlined on the licence page.
How does Oakville’s 4% Municipal Accommodation Tax work for short stays?
Oakville levies a 4% MAT on stays under 30 days; confirm whether your platform collects and remits or if you must remit directly using the Town’s MAT instructions.
Can I operate a short-term rental in an Oakville condo?
Possibly, but many condo corporations restrict or prohibit STRs through declarations and bylaws; always review documents and seek written confirmation, as illustrated in Ontario case discussions like this one.
Do I have to register for GST/HST on my short-term rental income?
Short-term accommodation is generally taxable for GST/HST; you must register, collect and remit once your taxable supplies exceed $30,000 over four consecutive quarters; see CRA’s overview here.
Will CRA let me deduct expenses from my Oakville STR?
Only if you are compliant with required municipal licences and permits; CRA can deny deductions for non-compliant STRs under rules effective January 1, 2024, summarized in CRA’s tax tips.
