Legislative History: Enacted September 19, 2017 (By-law No. CPOL. -179-431); Amended July 24, 2018 (By-law No. CPOL.-179(a)-438); Amended July 25, 2023 (By-law No. CPOL.-179(b)-190)
Last Review Date: July 25, 2023
Service Area Lead: Director, Realty Services
1. Policy Statement
The purpose of this policy is to formalize and clarify practices on City-owned residential properties.
2. Definitions
Not Applicable.
3. Applicability
This policy applies to all City-owned residential properties.
4. The Policy
4.1. Inspection and Repair of Premises:
a) Immediately on acquisition of land that includes a residential building the Realty Services Division will carry out an inspection of the property and complete a Property Inspection Report.
b) On the termination of any existing tenancy the Realty Services Division will carry out an immediate inspection of the property; but in any event all city-owned residential premises will be inspected once per year.
c) Upon acquisition of property or the termination of an existing tenancy, the Realty Services Division will examine the premises and secure, adjust, or make safe, all electrical, heating, gas, oil and water systems.
d) If repairs are indicated from the inspection, the Realty Services Division shall obtain an estimate of the cost of such repairs.
e) Where repairs are required and the estimate is reasonable in view of the continuing viability of the property, the Realty Services Division will issue a work order with the cost to be charged to the Maintenance of Rented Property Account. In the event the property is considered in poor condition, with a low future anticipated income, and repair costs are economically prohibitive, the Realty Services Division will recommend to Council that the premises be sold for removal from the land or demolished.
4.2 Renting Procedure:
a) After inspection of a new residential property and the completion of improvements the Realty Services Division will establish a monthly rent comparable to the existing market conditions for residential units in the City.
b) On termination of any existing tenancy the Realty Services Division will review the monthly rent; but in any event the rents charged on all City-owned residential property will be reviewed once per year. Rent increases will be in compliance with increase provisions prescribed by the Residential Tenancies Act.
c) Upon receiving vacant possession of a residential property in adequate condition to rent, the Realty Services Division will publicly advertise the property.
d) Applicants for rental accommodation shall submit a rental application and the Realty Services Division will carry out any enquiries deemed necessary with the references indicated by the applicant, inclusive of a credit check.
e) Unless otherwise approved by City Council, no residential lease will be for more than one year, and satisfactory applicants will be required to execute The Ontario Standard Form Lease Agreement and accompanied by payment of the first and last months’ rent, before being allowed to enter the premises.
f) A copy of the Rental Agreement will be retained by the Realty Services Division, which will be responsible for recording, collecting and following up on all rents.
g) In the case of non-payment of rent, the Realty Services Division will:
i) Circulate rent reminders seeking payment of any and all rent arrears;
ii) After 30 days of original due date, carry out the steps prescribed in the Residential Tenancies Act for non payment including appropriate notice up to and including eviction.
4.3 Disposal or Demolition of Buildings:
a) Where it is the opinion of the Realty Services Division that the cost of maintaining a property suitable for renting is economically prohibitive the Realty Services Division shall recommend to City Council:
i) Demolition of the Property subject to all applicable legislation and permit requirements.
ii) Where conditions warrant demolition, procurement of demolition services will be in compliance with the Procurement of Goods and Services Policy.
b) Before making a recommendation to City Council on the disposal or demolition of a building, the Realty Services Division will carry out an enquiry procedure with relevant departments, boards and commissions to ascertain any alternative use for the building.