Waterloo May Enact a "Rental License Bylaw" in 2011- How Will this Affect Owners?

A notice was sent out from the City of Waterloo regarding it's proposal to enact a bylaw requiring a business license to rent "residential units," not including apartments.

This may have a direct effect on anyone who currently owns, or is considering investing in, any type of residential property with a rental unit (rooming house, boarders, basements, bedrooms, etc...).

The City of Waterloo has been investigating in a program to license the business of renting residential units for the purposes of protecting the health, safety and welfare of residents in low-rise residential rental units. 

A report on a proposed rental licensing bylaw will be available on Thursday, Jan. 6, 2011 for public review and consideration. The report outlines a proposed new rental licensing system in the City of Waterloo for low-density residential units (not including apartments). Staff will table the report at City of Waterloo council on Monday, Jan. 10, 2011 for information. Following the release of the report to council, the public consultation phase for the report will begin. It is anticipated city council will consider a rental licensing bylaw in February.

I will be examining the proposed bylaw and attending the information session, so if you have any questions regarding this issue feel free to contact me anytime.