Kitchener makes changes to city’s lodging house bylaw

A "room available" sign is seen in this undated image. (Shutterstock)

Kitchener has made changes to its Lodging House Bylaw which will make it easier for property owners to get a license, while also introducing more measures to protect potential renters.

The city defines a lodging house as any residence with five or more renters, where each person has their own private room but the kitchen and bathroom are shared spaces.

While the licensing fee has dropped to $750 in 2025, landlords have a few more rules to follow.

Property owners must:

Have a designated person who can come to the home within an hour during emergencies, or three hours for non-emergencies.

Have a Lodging House Handbook and their license accessible to all renters.

Submit to mandatory inspections.

Ensure that garbage, recycling and yard waste bins are kept at the rear or side of the home.

The city said the bylaw “aims to improve the city’s ability to ensure public safety, consumer protection and nuisance control, while also reducing barriers for property owners.”

More information on the bylaw changes, licensing requirements and support for tenants and renters can be found on the city’s website, as well as the online portal for license applications.