Landlords in Waterloo will have to adhere to new regulations when renovating properties, as the city plans to introduce a renoviction bylaw next year.
The city council approved a Rental Renovation Licensing bylaw during their meeting on Monday night, which will require landlords to get a license when they issue an N13 notice to tenants for renovations that need the unit to be vacant.
City staff presented three options at the council meeting on Monday. Their recommendation was to maintain the current level of service provided by the city’s Rental Housing Licensing Program, but after listening to several speakers, council opted for a complete renoviction bylaw instead.
“The downside of doing nothing at this point or maintaining the status quo is going to put us further behind than what I would like to see us,” Coun. Sandra Hanmer said.
“I appreciate all the delegations today because you certainly helped facilitate and alleviate some of the questions I had in my mind.”
Mayor Dorothy Mc Cabe did not support the full bylaw, arguing that staff are already collaborating with landlords to address tenants’ concerns through the city’s Rental Housing Licensing Program.
“I don’t want people thinking that we don’t care about the landlords we have here and I think we have a lot of good ones because we have a really robust Rental Housing Licensing Program, where staff are able to maintain and build really good relationships and keep on top of these things,” Mc Cabe said.
Source link
Documents required for obtaining a license
With the new bylaw coming into effect, landlords must provide several documents when applying for a license after issuing an N13 notice. These documents include proof that vacant possession of the rental unit is necessary, copies of any building permits, and evidence that both tenant and landlord rights information packages were delivered to tenants. A licensing and standards officer will review all license applications and will also be responsible for investigating cases of non-compliance, according to city officials. A tenant support liaison along with a tenant support fund will also be part of this new regulation. The liaison will serve as a primary contact for individuals facing housing instability or eviction as well as conflicts with their landlord. The support fund, which will receive $20,000 from the city, aims to assist tenants who need financial help accessing legal or advocacy services concerning eviction matters.Advocate calls for tenant compensation
Jacquie Wells, chairperson of ACORN’s Waterloo Region chapter, expressed her approval regarding council’s choice to implement the complete bylaw when speaking with . “All of our members, not just me, are extremely happy to see that council saw the value in moving forward with it despite staff’s recommendation,” Wells stated. Wells mentioned she hopes tenant compensation can be included in this bylaw when it takes effect in mid-2027 as an additional measure against renovictions.. This would mean landlords cover any rent difference if tenants need alternative housing during renovations while also covering moving expenses related both in and out of their units. “Without tenant compensation being part of it long term,” she continued “the bylaw won’t effectively reduce N13 notices because that element truly discourages landlords from ignoring tenants’ rights.” The city plans on including requirements for tenant compensation along with moving costs into this upcoming legislation before it goes back before council for final approval.Source link
