Wasaga Beach cracks down on illegal home rentals

Officials in Wasaga Beach have sent out letters to people who are illegally renting their houses, warning about the hefty fines they face if caught.

Mayor Cal Patterson says the town only responds to complaints, and they do not know how many houses are rented out illegally in residential areas.

Patterson says there is no problem with properties that are zoned for rentals in the popular tourist destination about 130 kilometres north of Toronto.

He says the problem is with people who buy houses in a subdivision with the intent of renting them on a monthly or weekly basis.

Patterson says the town cut off the water to a few residences a few years ago because they were illegal rentals, but adds that is an extreme measure.

The first offence fine for having an illegal rental is $25,000 and after that, the rental will be fined $10,000 a day.