Did you know that the Halifax Regional Municipality recently enacted a new by-law impacting rental properties?
By-Law M-200 outlines the minimum standards that rental owners, including short-term rental owners, will need to ensure that their properties comply with.
I am a Rental Owner, what does By-Law M-200 Mean for Me?
Under By-Law M-200, and By-Law R-400, you must have a maintenance plan for each of your rental properties which ensures minimum standards will be met. These standards relate to many different components of properties including life safety; bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms; smoke and carbon monoxide alarms; windows, doors, and garbage disposal; and noise control issues.
- Life Safety. By-Law M-200 outlines requirements concerning emergency lighting installation as well as fire extinguishers and fire safety floor plans in common areas. Further requirements indicate requirements for doors leading to common areas must have self-closing mechanisms and lock from the inside. It is also indicated that open stairways must have guards that are up to code and maintained in good condition.
- Bathrooms, Laundry Rooms, and Kitchens. The by-law requires that bathrooms be maintained to ensure proper water flow, that laundry rooms have signage regarding lint traps, and that kitchens meet specific requirements for storage areas, counter spaces, and appliances.
- Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms. The by-law indicates that all units will require smoke alarms and, unless a building is equipped with a fire alarm system, that smoke alarms will be provided on each story, each bedroom, and each room connecting a bedroom to the rest of a unit. Where more than one smoke alarm is required in a unit, they must be interconnected so that activation of one will trigger the rest. All rental properties must also have carbon monoxide alarms, with additional requirements where fuel-burning appliances are used.
- Windows, Doors, and Garbage. Under the by-law, all windows which open to the outside will require screens. Owners will also require garbage receptacles as outlined by By-Law S-600.
- Noise Control Issues. Where tenants have been convicted under the Noise By-Law, N-200, owners must to submit mitigation plans within seven days’ notice.
What are the maintenance and inspection requirements under By-Law M-200?
Among other requirements, By-Law M-200 requires that dryer ducts and smoke alarms, and carbon monoxide be inspected and cleaned at least once annually. Additionally, fans and ventilators must be inspected as required by the manufacturer and fire extinguishers and emergency lighting must be inspected monthly for defects or damage.
What if I Violate By-Law M-200?
Violations of By-Law M-200 may be released on the Halifax Regional Municipality’s website. Failure to have a proper maintenance plan can lead to fines of up to $10,000.
