Hamilton slumlords put on notice with new pilot program
Published March 7, 2022 at 2:01 pm
Many landlords who are renting out property in Hamilton will now be required to apply for multiple rental licences each year.
The City’s new two-year rental housing licensing pilot program requires property owners in Wards 1, 8, and parts of 14 to apply for a rental licence for each rented unit. The program applies to property owners with four or fewer rental units.
The program is a response to what the City says are “concerns from community members, property owners and students regarding illegal dwelling units, absentee landlords, property standards and yard maintenance complaints.”
According to the City, the cost of the pilot program to taxpayers will be recovered through licensing fees charged to landlords.
“The (program) was created to hold investment property owners accountable for the rental units they own,” said Mayor Fred Eisenberger. “Tenants must live in rental units that are safe, legal and meet all regulations. The cost recovery model of this program will ensure property owners are funding this program, not taxpayers.”
“In turn, this will help create healthy and safe places for tenants to live,” he added.
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Once the evaluation of the two-year pilot program is complete, staff will provide city council with recommendations for the future of the program — including the potential for city-wide implementation.
More information can be found on the City of Hamilton website: hamilton.ca/rentalhousinglicence
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