The City of Kawartha Lakes, in partnership with the Trent Community Research Centre, is conducting a student-led research project to better understand how Short-Term Rentals (STRs), such as Airbnb and VRBO, are affecting the community from the perspective of residents, visitors and other stakeholders who work directly in these areas.

This research study is being conducted by Caleb Khan (Undergraduate Researcher) under the supervision of Professor Karen Pinto, from the School of Business at Trent University.

This study is being completed in partnership with the City of Kawartha Lakes as part of a Community-Based Research project coordinated through the Trent Community Research Centre.

There are no conflicts of interest or commercial sponsors associated with this study.

Resident Survey: to better understand how STRs are affecting local housing, neighbourhood character, and quality of life

Visitor Survey: to better understand the experiences of visitors who stay in Short-Term Rentals (STRs), such as Airbnb and VRBO. STRs play an important role in tourism and the local economy, and we want to learn how they contribute to visitor satisfaction and travel choices in Kawartha Lakes.

Key Terms:

Short Term Rental (STR) is a tenancy that is 30 days or less. This could include renting a private room in a home, an entire home, a seasonal property (cottage), temporary residence, lodging or occupancy byway of concession, lease, rental agreement of any other space for 30 days or less. Short term rentals do not include established zoning permitted accommodation types such as bed and breakfasts, hotels, motels, trailer parks, or campgrounds.

For more information about the Short Term Rentals in Kawartha Lakes, visit www.kawarthalakes.ca/str