City of Waterloo charging landlords, fire prevention is a factor
Posted Dec 16, 2025 04:22:45 AM.
Last Updated Dec 16, 2025 10:49:10 AM.
Fire prevention concerns are just one of the reasons the City of Waterloo issued 282 charges to landlords this year.
A statement from city hall said Waterloo’s Property Standards Officers have been working with Waterloo Fire Prevention and other community representatives to deal with tenant safety concerns in residential units.
Nicole Papke, director of Municipal Enforcement Services at the City of Waterloo said, “It ensures minimum health, safety, and fire-protection standards are met, and that residents have safe, well-maintained places to call home.”
The statement did not lay out the specifics of the charges or how many landlords were involved.
It said the charges come with fines between $400 and $800 dollars “for failing to comply with rental licensing requirements.”
Papke noted rental licensing “ensures minimum health, safety, and fire-protection standards are met, and that residents have safe, well-maintained places to call home.”
The city’s statement also touched on property maintenance concerns, but again, did not provide any specifics. Nor has the city identified any rental addresses of concern, nor how many tenants have been filing complaints.
“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,” Papke said.
The statement said the City of Waterloo “will continue enforcement action until the affected units are brought into full compliance.”
Tenants in Waterloo can contact Municipal Enforcement Services at 519-747-8785, or by email to municipalenforcement@waterloo.ca.
