Business and Property Licensing

---

Operating a rental property or small business shouldn’t mean drowning in red tape. Municipal licensing and compliance rules can feel designed to frustrate owners, but with the right advocacy, the process becomes manageable, and your rights are protected.

As of October 1, 2024, every municipality in Haliburton County requires a licence for rentals under 28 days. Retained Legal Services provides tailored support for property owners, local or remote, to keep STRs compliant, operational, and protected against municipal challenges.

Services include:

• Preparing and filing all applications, forms, and supporting documents
   
• Verifying insurance, site plans, and septic documentation
   
• Submitting applications to the municipality and tracking progress
   
• Liaising directly with municipal staff
   
• Coordinating third-party requirements (surveys, inspections, shoreline agreements)

• Ensuring adherence to occupancy, parking, and safety requirements
   
• Posting emergency contacts, fire safety plans, and STR licences
   
• Ongoing review of municipal by-law changes and inspection requirements
   
• Coordinating responses to municipal compliance checks

• Acting as your designated Responsible Person for 24/7 response
   
• Handling complaints within municipal timeframes (60 minutes)
   
• Responding to noise, parking, waste, and by-law issues
   
• Keeping you informed with direct updates

• Preparing and filing appeals when licences are denied, suspended, or revoked
   
• Representing property owners before municipal Appeals Committees
   
• Advising on conditions for reinstatement and future compliance

• Small Claims Court – Contract disputes, unpaid invoices, or service agreements up to $35,000
   
• Licence Appeal Tribunal (General Service) – Licensing and compliance disputes beyond STRs

Licensing isn’t just about paperwork, it’s about fairness. Retained Legal Services vets each matter to ensure it belongs in the system, then provides direct, practical support so owners can focus on their business instead of fighting bureaucracy.

No jargon. No wasted time. Just compliance made clear, and advocacy when the system pushes too far.