WCEL > Issues > Urban Growth and Development > Smart Bylaws Guide > Part 5 > Support Rental Housing > Standards of Maintenance

Smart Bylaws Guide – Support Rental Housing – Standards of Maintenance

To protect the existing stock of rental housing, many local governments have enacted standards of maintenance bylaws for rental accommodation. Councils may require the maintenance of residential premises for reasons of health, safety and protection of persons and property.  Under the nuisance provisions of the Community Charter, councils may also prohibit owners or occupiers of real property from allowing their property to be unsightly. If an owner does not comply with a remedial action requirement imposed by the municipality, the municipality may carry out the remedial action and recover the municipal costs through the sale of the property.

Municipalities may also specifically regulate the condition of rental properties that have heritage significance (see section 970 of the Local Government Act).

Standards of Maintenance Bylaws

District of Chetwynd (Residential Maintenance & Occupancy Standards Bylaw No. 165), (250) 401-4119, bengert@gochetwynd.com

City of North Vancouver (to March 24, 2004)

City of Richmond (Rental Premises Standards of Maintenance Bylaw No. 8159, 2006)

City of Vancouver

For More Information

Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women’s Services - Standards of Maintenance Model Bylaw