NORTH BATTLEFORD — In a bid to establish an inventory of residential rental properties, improve housing standards and address community concerns, North Battleford city council has taken steps to introduce a Residential Rental Property Registration (RRPR) bylaw.
The proposal aims to enhance community services and safety and address issues related to substandard rental properties. It focuses on single and smaller multi-unit rental properties, excluding larger apartment buildings already covered by existing regulations.
The proposed bylaw would allow authorized personnel to conduct inspections from a fire safety or building inspection standpoint, ensuring the safety of tenants.
“A complete record of properties would provide significant benefits for tenants currently residing in residential rental properties in the North Battleford by enhancing the city’s ability to provide and plan for services where needed,” City Clerk Stacey Hadley said in a press release.
“Online registration for each property is set to be complimentary following public consultation.”
Hadley outlined the initiative, citing discussions under the council's strategic plan, community safety and public complaints about rental property conditions.
"Administration was directed to develop an approach to establishing an inventory of residential rental properties in the city," Hadley explained.
To make it easier for landlords, the bylaw suggests using an online system for complimentary property registration. This will help the city keep track of rental homes and contact landlords if needed for services such as water and waste management.
"I really believe it's going to be very well accepted by the public," said CounCillor Bill Ironstand.
"They are going to be encouraged by the amount of positive response we get for trying to clean up some of our rental properties and improve housing for our community."
Following the discussion, Council unanimously approved moving forward with public consultations.
"Public consultations [will] be held in relation to the proposed residential rental property registration bylaw," council announced.
The consultation process is set to be completed and reported back to council by September.
