Are you living illegally in Waterloo?

Upcoming regulations
It is the responsibility of the resident to make sure their house is licensed. Residents can be evicted if the landlord is renting illegally, and landlords can also incur $350 – $25,000 in fines. Rental housing requirements and restrictions vary. They are classified by “A”, “B”, “C”. “D”, and “E” licences. A properly licensed house must have the following:

• A complete application form accepted by the director of bylaw enforcement

• Residents have the right to ask to see their landlord’s licence at any time

• Buildings must submit to the Region of Waterloo’s property standards including the Building Code Act, the Fire Protection and Prevention Act must be approved by the medical officer of health

• No more than four bedrooms (unless an apartment building)

• Each bedroom should be a minimum of seven square metres per occupant

• No room can be used as a bedroom unless it has been approved and licensed as such

• No more than 40 per cent of the rental unit’s gross floor area should be compromised of bedrooms

• Some licences have been grandfathered so possible exceptions to room numbers and sizes are allowed

• The new bylaw comes into effect Apr. 1, 2012

• You can visit the city’s website for more information

Editor’s note: This article has been updated since its original publication.