Follow property standards

Property owners must keep homes and buildings in good repair. Rental housing has extra rules, including a minimum temperature.

Learn what is required and how to report a problem.

On this page:

1. Meet minimum property standards
2. Manage drainage and grading
3. Follow extra rules for rentals
4. Maintain heat in rental units
5. Report an issue

Meet minimum property standards

All property owners in Waterloo must follow the Property Standards Bylaw.

Owners must:

• keep structures in good repair – including walls, roofs, stairs and foundations
• maintain plumbing, heating and electrical systems
• keep windows and doors weather-tight and able to lock
• repair water damage and remove extensive mould

For outdoor rules such as weeds or yard conditions, visit the yard maintenance page.

Manage drainage and grading

Homeowners can make changes to their yards, but grading must continue to direct water safely away from buildings and follow the neighbourhood’s original drainage design.

The Property Standards Bylaw also includes rules about:

• preventing water from damaging buildings or structures
• avoiding excessive ponding on a property
• maintaining the designed drainage pattern in your neighbourhood
• directint roof drainage away from neighbouring properties, sidewalks and roadways

Follow extra rules for rentals

Landlords must keep rentals safe, clean and in good condition.

If you rent out a unit, you must:

• supply hot and cold water, electricity and plumbing
• heat units to at least 21°C in the heating season
• maintain and repair appliances and common areas

You must also:

• keep units free of pests such as rodents and insects
• keep doors, windows and skylights weather-tight, secure and in good repair
• provide safe lighting and ventilation in living spaces

The Landlord and Tenant Board, not the city, handles issues such as deposits, rent payments, or move-in dates.

For rental licensing, inspections and enforcement information visit our rental housing support page.

Maintain heat in rental units

During the heating season, landlords must keep rental units heated to at least 21°C (70 °F). Portable space heaters cannot be the main source of heat.

Read the Adequate Heat Bylaw.

Report a property standards or heat issue

If a property does not meet standards, you can make a complaint.

Use the bylaw service portal to submit and track your complaint online. You’ll need to register to get started.

What to include:

• the property address
• a short description of the problem
• photos, if available

You can also call 519-747-8785 or email municipalenforcement@waterloo.ca to make a complaint.

Make an online complaint