Property Code Quick Reference
This list is compiled from issues commonly experienced by student renters. The list references Kingston’s Property Standards bylaw, Fire Code and the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA)
- Must be weatherproof, structurally sound and free of loose material.
- A tenant who misuses a roof, for example using it as a balcony, can expect to be charged for damages.
- When heat is included in the rent the landlord must, between the 15th day of September in each year and the 1st day of June of the following year, provide adequate and suitable heat at their expense; and for the purposes of this by-law, "adequate and suitable heat" means that the minimum temperature of the air in the accommodation which is available to the tenant is 21.1°C (70°F)
- Every dwelling unit shall be provide with a source of heat capable of maintaining 21.1°C (70°F)
- Portable heating units cannot be your primary source of heat.
- Landlords, or anyone working on their behalf may not disconnect or cause to be disconnected the heat to a dwelling unit occupied by a tenant, except when necessary to repair or replace the heating unit.
- Repairs that leave tenants without heat should be explained fully: how long will it take, what kind of noise and disruption can be expected and what access, if any, will service people need to the unit.
- If electric heat is currently included in the rent, the landlord can transfer the bill to the tenant if they follow the requirements for decreasing rent as set out in the RTA.
- Between November 15 and April 30 a utilities provider may not disconnect a tenant’s electricity or gas.
- Buildings shall be kept free of rodents, vermin and insects at all times. This responsibility is shared by landlords and tenants. Landlords need to find and plug access points and pay for an exterminator. Tenants need to remove food sources by storing garbage properly and keeping food-goods in durable, pest-resistant containers.
- Any opening used for illumination or ventilation must be screened with durable material that will effectively exclude rodents, insects and vermin. Floor drains in basements must also be screened.
- Tenants need to tell landlords at the first sign of insects, rodents or pests. Don’t let the problem get out of control.
- Controlling moisture and keeping a home dry is the key to preventing and stopping mould growth. Neither the Kingston bylaws nor the RTA specifically refer to mould. Bylaws concerning walls and floors help keep water out and lower the risk of mould.
- Bathrooms need a window that opens, OR a fan; tenants need to use the fan or window to ventilate the moisture adequately. Ventilation is key.
- Keeping a unit too cold can encourage condensation which leave dampness for mould growth. Leave some room between large furniture (beds, sofas and bookshelves) and exterior walls to allow for warm air to circulate.
- Use the exhaust hood over your stove, if provided, or open a nearby window when boiling large amounts of water.
- Clothes dryers must be vented to the outdoors. Too much wet laundry hung indoors can increase the dampness in the home and lead to mold.
- Mould can grow places that you can’t see. Property Standards Inspectors cannot open up walls or ceilings to look for mould. Their inspections are visual non-invasive reviews only.
- Heat (in season), water and electricity are considered vital services and your landlord can’t leave you without these things for extended periods of time. The exception would be when severe weather or, say, a fire in an adjacent building prevents the landlord from providing you with vital services.
- Tenants who pay their own utilities may not leave the unit without vital services. Tenants must have utilities hooked up in their unit for the entire length of the tenancy.
- Every part of your home should be free of rot and able to support its own weight plus any additional load to which it may be subjected through normal use.
- Exterior stairs and porches need to be free of defects and protected from the elements by paint or another suitable preservative.
- Stairs of more than three risers or height of more than 600mm need to have a rigid handrail.
- Parking areas need to be surfaced with asphalt, crushed stones, paving stones or concrete. Dirt is not sufficient.
- There must be at least one smoke alarm on every level of your unit.
- Each unit must have a Carbon Monoxide detector.
- Any furniture that is manufactured for interior can’t be used outside of a dwelling. Furniture outside of a dwelling that becomes dilapidated needs to be disposed of. City officials may affix a ticket to your front door.
- Garbage and recycling containers cannot be put out before 6PM the night before your pick-up and must be retrieved before 6PM on the day of pick-up.
- Every owner must post, in a common area, contact information where an authorized person responsible for the property can be reached in case of an emergency on a 24 hour basis.
- Occupancy is based on square footage of your unit not number of “bedrooms”. Building code allows two people to share a sleeping space. Contact Off-Campus Living Advisor for tips on next steps 613-533-6745 ocla@queensu.ca
While identifying and addressing property standards can be challenging, it is important to bring these issues to the attention of your landlord or property manager. If your landlord fails to address the violation within a reasonable amount of time you can report it to the City of Kingston. While Ontario's Residential Tenancy Act does not specify how long you should wait before reporting a violation, it is recommended that you give your landlord a reasonable amount of time to address the issue or take the necessary steps before reporting it.
These Bylaws cover heating, electrical, plumbing, pest prevention, graffiti, and yards.
Unfortunately, many rental homes in Kingston are in violation of these Bylaws, which can create health and safety risks, while also decreasing energy efficiency and leading to higher utility bills.
Common violations of these bylaws include:
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Drafts from windows
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Windows with no locks
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Broken exterior locks