Landlords in three of the city’s 15 wards will need an annual license and an annual fire inspection, the city’s Planning Committee decided Tuesday on a 9-2 vote. The decision needs approval of the 16-member city council. The permanent licensing program builds on a two-year pilot project in the same wards, 1, 8 and 14, in the west end of the lower city and of the Mountain, and applies to rental units of five or fewer units.
Based on the pilot, city staff concluded that licensing landlords “provides value to tenants and residents by holding landlords and property owners accountable while ensuring adequate housing options.” Licensing is focused on the wards that include McMaster University and Mohawk College but covers all smaller rentals. It was initiated in response to many complaints, from tenants and neighbours. about illegal dwelling units, absentee landlords, and poor maintenance. Staff will study whether to extend licensing to the whole city.
Licensing smaller units compliments the city’s safe apartments bylaw that goes into effect on January 1 and covers larger rental buildings.
Staff said licensing gives them the authority to do regular inspections to ensure that rental units meet building, fire, zoning, and property standards and are insured. Previously, inspections were only done after complaints. Licensing fees cover the program’s costs. There is one-time application fee of $81.42 plus HST, a one-time zoning verification fee of $130, an annual licensing fee of $309, and an annual fire inspection fee of $295.45 plus HST.