In Toronto, a city known for its diverse architecture and vibrant communities, maintaining high housing standards isn't just about compliance; it’s about ensuring that every resident experiences the highest quality of life possible.
With years of experience in real estate, I've observed how these standards profoundly impact both the structural integrity of buildings and the daily lives of residents.
Let's dive into the essential aspects of housing standards in Toronto, exploring the key challenges, effective solutions, and their pivotal role in urban planning and community well-being.
Quick Summary
- The Property Standards Bylaw sets maintenance and repair standards for all properties in Toronto, ensuring that all property owners, including landlords, are held to these requirements.
- Toronto's RentSafeTO program enforces property standards for apartment buildings and requires buildings to be audited regularly to ensure they meet safety and maintenance standards. Over 3,500 buildings are part of this program.
- Each year, the city handles thousands of complaints related to property standards violations, ranging from inadequate heat in winter to pest infestations and structural disrepair.
Property Standards to Be Met by Property Owners
1. Air Conditioning
The by-law mandates apartment building owners to switch on air conditioning, if any, from 2nd June to 14th September. If it's hot outdoors, though, renters can power it on shortly if the temperature inside the structure does not drop below 21 degrees Celsius.
Landlords must also verify that all supplied amenities are built, fitted, and maintained securely and efficiently, as per the bylaw. Further, all air conditioning units and other water-cooled appliances must have appropriate measures to prevent moisture leakage or discharge into walking or vehicular traffic zones.
2. Water/Bathroom Facilities
A bathroom, a washing basin, a kitchen counter, and a bathing tub or shower should be available in every rental property.
3. Doors, Passageways, and Exits Servicing
The exits, corridors and doors should see proper servicing and good repair regularly.
4. Hot Water
Hot water with temperatures must be available within 45 degrees Celsius to 60 degrees Celsius, in sufficient amounts.
5. Pests
Pests such as rats, fleas, and insects need to be kept out of all premises. No building should face pest infestation-friendly situations.
6. Property Sanitation and Safety
All lawns, porches and other common areas of a property should look pristine and clutter-free. Property managers should remove dirt, garbage, etc., and any hazardous equipment that can lead to health or fire issues.
7. Room Sizes
Each tenant should have a minimum of 9 square metres of livable room floor space. A viable room must have a height limit of 1.95 m on top of at least half of the square feet.
8. Electrical Outlets
The electricity must be sufficient for all the rooms of the houses. It should have adequate outlets provided so that the renter does not have to rely on extended cables daily.
9. Structural Maintenance
Every aspect of the building must be kept in good working order. It should not have moisture piling up on the structures, causing damage, rot, or decay. Stairs, decks, fire escapes, windows should be repaired periodically.
10. Other Crucial Services
The supply of fuel, power, gasoline to a rental unit should not stop unless the Council receives a written complaint before one month of cutting down the services. This will not qualify if the renter has agreed to pay for and maintain the services.
Enforcement and Oversight
Bylaw enforcement officers play a key role in monitoring compliance with the property standards bylaw. They respond to complaints and conduct inspections to ensure that all properties, including vacant buildings and those classified as vacant property, meet the required standards.
Role of the Planning and Housing Committee
The planning and housing committee oversees policies related to housing and property standards in Toronto, guiding initiatives to maintain safe, healthy, and well-maintained properties across the city.
Steps for Repair Request to Building Owners
1. Initial Service Appeal
For an initial service appeal, the tenant should request in writing. If you need assistance communicating with their landlord, the Municipality of Toronto provides help desk forms, or you can contact the FMTA (Federation of Metro Tenants’ Associations). Make sure to keep a copy of the request and note the dates you have applied [1].
2. Service Request to the City
If the tenants have already notified the landlord to modify their unit but the owners have not yet taken any action, you can call 311 to get the City to look into it. If the property owner still does not comply with the required repairs or maintenance, the City may carry out the necessary maintenance work and add the cost of this work to the property tax bill.
3. Lodge a Complaint with the Board
If your homeowner still hasn't performed the repair work, you can register with a T6 form and report to the Landlord and Tenant Board [2].
Toronto Property Standards Complaint Process
| Step | Action Required | Timeline | Who to Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Written request to landlord | Immediate | Property owner/landlord |
| 2 | City inspection request | After landlord non-response | Call 311 |
| 3 | Formal complaint filing | If issue persists | Landlord and Tenant Board (T6 form) |
| 4 | City enforcement action | Varies by violation | Municipal Law Enforcement |
FAQs
1. What are the minimum housing standards in Toronto?
Toronto's Property Standards Bylaw sets mandatory requirements for all rental properties including adequate heating, hot water (45-60°C), minimum room sizes (9 square meters), pest control, proper electrical outlets, and functioning exits. Buildings must also maintain structural integrity and provide essential utilities without interruption.
2. How do I report a property standards violation in Toronto?
First, submit a written request to your landlord documenting the issue. If the landlord doesn't respond, call 311 to request a city inspection. For persistent issues, file a T6 form with the Landlord and Tenant Board. Keep copies of all communications and note dates for your records.
3. What is the RentSafeTO program and how does it work?
RentSafeTO is a mandatory program covering over 3,500 apartment buildings in Toronto with 3+ storeys and 10+ units. Buildings must undergo regular safety audits every 1-3 years, maintain compliance records, and can face fines up to $100,000 or license suspension for violations.
4. How long does my landlord have to fix property standard violations?
Response times vary by violation severity. Emergency issues like heating failures or safety hazards require immediate attention. Non-emergency repairs typically must be addressed within 30 days of written notice. The city can issue repair orders with specific deadlines if landlords don't comply.
5. What temperature must landlords maintain in rental units?
During heating season (typically September 15 to June 1), landlords must maintain a minimum temperature of 21°C during the day and 18°C at night. Air conditioning, if provided, must operate from June 2 to September 14 and maintain indoor temperatures above 21°C when in use.
6. Can my landlord cut off utilities or services?
No, landlords cannot cut off essential services like heat, water, or electricity without providing 30 days written notice to the city council. This exception doesn't apply if the tenant has agreed to pay for and maintain these services independently.
Stay tuned at Precondo if you wish to have more details regarding property enforcement laws in the city of Toronto. Additionally, check our list of the most recent loft properties in Toronto.
References:
- https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/building-construction/
- https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/housing-shelter/rental-housing-tenant-information/rental-housing-standards/
