Property Standards

Property owners are responsible for keeping their properties and buildings safe and in good repair.

If you are concerned about the condition of a property in Kawartha Lakes, you can submit a property standards complaint to Municipal Law Enforcement.

What are property standards?

Properties in Kawartha Lakes are subject to minimum standards set out in the Property Standards By-Law (download) and the Building Code Act. 

Examples of property standards concerns:

• damaged roofs or walls
• unsafe stairs or porches
• broken windows
• pest infestations
• unsafe sheds or garages
• poorly maintained fences
• hazardous walkways or parking areas
• disconnection of gas, water, electricity or other utilities
• other property conditions that may affect health or safety

As of August 2024, the long grass by-law was repealed and no longer enforced by MLEL. 

Municipal Law Enforcement investigates property standards concerns and, when needed, works with property owners to bring properties into compliance.

Your information is kept confidential during the investigation. In some cases, you may be asked to provide evidence or testify in support of your complaint if further enforcement action is required.