Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Windsor is seeking feedback from those interested in or impacted by licensing regulations for residential rental properties with one to four units.
At a recent meeting, council directed staff to create a framework for a two-year pilot study, led by Licensing and By-Law Enforcement.
This study could be of particular interest to both homeowners and renters locally, as well as residential landowners and landlords.
Key elements include issues with residential rental housing, possible regulatory solutions and comments and concerns about the proposed licensing framework.
The survey will be available until Nov. 9 on the city’s Surveys Page and staff will use feedback to develop a pilot study licensing by-law at a future meeting of council for consideration.
“This pilot project is the reasonable next step in our attempts to strengthen our neighbourhoods and ensure all landlords/tenants adhere to property standards and by-laws. Public feedback is crucial to the project’s overall implementation and success,” said Ward 1 Councillor Fred Francis.
“The intent of an RRL is primarily tenant safety and ensuring that all parties are playing by the rules,” said Ward 2 councillor Fabio Constante.
“As housing demands continue to grow in our community, we must do our part in establishing a framework that provides accountability and better enforceability of our building and fire codes. The RRL is a step in that direction, and the pilot study will provide council with the data and information necessary to make a decision on implementing a citywide by-law in the future.”