City of Waterloo charges landlords for not complying with rental standards

By City of Waterloo - Dec 15, 2025

The City of Waterloo continues to lay charges against property owners who fail to obtain and renew the required rental licenses, or otherwise do not comply with the City’s Residential Rental Licensing By-law.

“Rental licensing is a mandatory program that exists to protect tenants in our City,” said Nicole Papke, Director of Municipal Enforcement Services. “It ensures minimum health, safety, and fire-protection standards are met, and that residents have safe, well-maintained places to call home.”

To date in 2025, Municipal Enforcement Services has issued 282 charges to rental property owners across Waterloo—each ranging from $400 to $800—for failing to comply with rental licensing requirements.

City of Waterloo Property Standards Officers work with Waterloo Fire Prevention and other community representatives to address tenant safety concerns in residential units. City officers conduct in-unit property standards inspections upon request, and offer on-site tenant education campaigns. Officers provide tenants with clear information on how to report property maintenance and fire-safety concerns, how to request City inspections when issues are not being addressed by a landlord, and how to access City services safely and directly.

“Residents have every right to expect safe housing. Our focus is ensuring tenants feel supported, know their rights, and have direct access to the resources they need to stay safe in their homes,” said Nicole Papke. “Municipal Enforcement and Fire Prevention are actively engaged – conducting inspections, following up on orders and using enforcement tools available to us. The City will continue enforcement action until the affected units are brought into full compliance.”

Tenants and residents with concerns can contact Municipal Enforcement Services at:

The City remains committed to protecting the health and safety of everyone who calls our community home. Any landlord in Waterloo who fails to meet licensing and property-standards obligations may face fines and inspections.

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Media contact:

Shirley Luu
Communications Consultant
Corporate Communications
City of Waterloo
Shirley.luu@waterloo.ca 

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