Property Maintenance and Standards

City Council passes property related by-laws on safety, maintenance, beautification and livability to set standards for all property owners to follow.

By-laws

Property by-laws
By-law	Regulatory area example(s)
Adequate Heat By-law	Requires a minimum air temperature of at least 22 °C between September 1 to June 15 in rented or leased living accommodations
Boulevard By-law	hedges and trees overhanging the sidewalk height of shrubs and plants Find assistance for grass cutting and snow removal.
Fence and Sight Triangle By-law	height of fences height of natural features (hedges, shrubs and plants)
Lot Maintenance By-law	long grass and weeds waste and debris stagnant or standing water graffiti
Nuisance By-law	loitering littering defacing, damaging or vandalizing public or private property obstructing or interfering with the movement of people or vehicles soliciting fighting, screaming, yelling or using profane or abusive language or gestures Other disorderly, annoying, unpleasant or obnoxious activity or conduct
Property Standards By-law	plumbing and drainage exterior and interior walls heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems toilet and washroom facilities handrails and guards roof and roof structures Apartment building inspections occur regularly in Oshawa. Tenants can request a unit inspection at any time by emailing or calling Service Oshawa at 905-436-3311.
Shopping Cart By-law	Complete the Shopping Cart Retrieval Request Form on-line or contact Service Oshawa. Fee payments ($57.50/cart) must be received by the City and arrangements made by the retailer to retrieve the carts at least two weeks prior to cart disposition dates (January 1, April 1, July 1, October 1) unless otherwise advised.
Vacant Building Registry By-law	Requires that owners of vacant buildings in Oshawa register their property with City. Registering your property on an annual basis ensures proactive and continued compliance with property related standards set by Council, keeping our community clean and safe for everyone to enjoy. Review the full details on our Vacant Building Registry page

Property maintenance

Enforcement process

Please visit the By-law Enforcement page to find out more information about enforcement and how to file a complaint related to any of the above by-laws.

Appeal process

Where an enforcement action is disputed, the City’s Administrative Monetary Penalty Appeal Processes provide clear and appropriate mechanisms to challenge an order, penalty or decision, including independent review by a Screening Officer and, where requested, a Hearing Officer.

Enforcement matters are determined based on evidence and due process, ensuring decisions are considered fairly and consistently. the rights of those subject to enforcement and the public interest.

The appropriate place to challenge an enforcement order, penalty or decision is within the process established to adjudicate it. Learn more our Appeal Processes webpage.

Contact Us

Service Oshawa
Oshawa City Hall
50 Centre St. S.
Oshawa, ON L1H 3Z7
Phone: 905-436-3311
Toll Free: 1-800-667-4292
Email: service@oshawa.ca

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