City to consult public, stakeholders about possible Residential Rental Property Registration Bylaw

During the July 8, 2024 Special City Council meeting, Council directed City Administration to begin dialogue and consultations with members of the public and community stakeholders to gather input for a new proposed bylaw. The goal of the proposed Residential Rental Property Registration Bylaw is to give the City a clearer picture of the current rental landscape and inventory in North Battleford.

Limited information is available for the City with respect to the current rental situation in the community. A complete record of properties would allow the City to offer significant benefits for tenants in these currently non-inventoried rental properties by enhancing the City’s ability to provide services where needed.  Online registration for each property is set to be complimentary following public consultation.

The proposed bylaw is being developed in response to several discussions about community safety, standards, and housing, along with many complaints from the public and general community in relation to the substandard states of some residential properties in the city. Where hazardous or unsafe conditions are evident within a residential rental property, the proposed bylaw would permit authorized personnel to arrange an inspection of the property from either a fire safety and/or building inspection perspective to ensure the health, wellbeing, and safety of a property’s tenants. This opportunity is currently non-existent within legislation.

Exempt under this proposed bylaw would be owners/landlords of apartment building or multiunit dwellings with more than four units, as those structures are already covered by separate legislation to regulate the health and safety of building occupants.

Included in the consultation process, set to be completed by September 2024, are the following options for the public to provide feedback and to obtain information:

• Information on the City’s website & social media channels
• Online registration, should property owners/landlords wish to register their properties immediately
• Online surveys, with an option to complete at City Hall if assistance is required
• Two public consultation sessions to be held virtually
• Questions or comments related to this matter can be emailed to info@cityofnb.ca
• The Bylaw will be introduced to City Council in September 2024, considering all input obtained from the public and stakeholders. City Council meetings are public and anyone who wishes to attend may do so.

The proposed bylaw will be scheduled for a City Council meeting following the compilation of public feedback and concerns. First reading for the bylaw should be expected during a City Council in September 2024.