Oshawa to review Air BnB policy after numerous complaints about party houses

A local by-law related to Air BnBs in Oshawa will be reviewed by staff for the second time in less than two years at the request of north Oshawa councillor Rosemary McConkey, who has heard multiple complaints from her north Oshawa constituents.

Many of the concerns come from homes rented out as party houses that are not licensed, she added. “These houses are so disruptive to the neighbourhood.”

Councillor Brian Nicholson, who made the request at Corporate Services Committee Monday for the review (McConkey is not on that committee) said there have been homes on his quiet street in south Oshawa divided into four units – each available for short-term rentals – leading to “cars all over the street.”

Reviews to the by-law have been done in 2018 and again in 2020. If the motion is passed at the November 26 Council meeting staff has agreed to review the by-law once again early in 2023.