A group in landlords in Cambridge say they’ll continue to fight the city’s water billing policies – and that the province is looking into the matter as well.
The city recently decided to put property owners’ names on all water bills, even if the property is being rented out for the use of somebody else.
In an interview, Coun. Donna Reid said the system is the same one used in Hamilton.
“We can’t afford to not collect the water bills. This way, it’s ensured,” she said.
Reid said she understood why some landlords might be upset with the decision.
She suggested landlords worried about collecting water payments consider adding the cost of water to their basic rent amount.
“I understand that’s it’s difficult to … collect water bills when people are not responsible,” she said.
“To put that on the backs of all the taxpayers is … not a very responsible decision either.”
One landlord told CTV News she worried tenants might end up using more water than whatever amount would be factored into the rent.
“This is not a way to conserve the natural resource of water,” Kayla Andrade said.
A group of landlords met Tuesday night to discuss the issue.
They suggested finding a way to allow landlords to take responsibility for administering water bills, including being given the power to shut off water when tenants don’t pay their bills.
Andrade also plans to continue pursuing action through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
