Housing

Minimum standards for residential and rental accommodations are defined in the Neighbourhood Liveability By-law

Also see Housing Inspections in the Health and Safety section on our Web site.

Frequently Asked Questions

• I have a problem in the suite or home that I rent.  What can be done about concerns inside and outside (relating to floors, walls, ceilings, windows, doors, toilets, sinks, furnace, water, hot water, roof, eavestroughing, plumbing, sewer, yard, fence, accessory buildings, porch, stairs, foundation, exterior walls)?
• There are people living at this property. They are not looking after their property and it is full of junk.  Can something be done?
• The people living at this property cannot look after themselves; there may be physical or mental issues?
• The people living at this property are hoarding all sorts of junk and material and their house is full of it, this is certainly a health and safety hazard?
• Will the City inspect my home or a home I intend to purchase because I suspect there is mould from a previous marijuana grow operation?
• I received a deficiency order from the City, what do I need to do? Who can I speak to?  How can I appeal? How can I get more time to deal with repairs?
• How long does it take for an inspection after a complaint is made?
• My neighbours eavestroughing downspout is directed toward my house and it is causing water to get into my basement.  How should the downspout be directed?

I have a problem in the suite or home that I rent.  What can be done about concerns inside and outside (relating to floors, walls, ceilings, windows, doors, toilets, sinks, furnace, water, hot water, roof, eavestroughing, plumbing, sewer, yard, fence, accessory buildings, porch, stairs, foundation, exterior walls)?
Various City of Winnipeg By-laws require properties be maintained to minimum standards, including all buildings, fences, yards and accessory buildings. If you have problems related to your rental residnece first contact your rental manager, owner, or caretaker to advise them of the problem. If the problem is not resolved you can register a complaint with the City of Winnipeg Community By-law Enforcement Services at 311.

There are people living at this property. They are not looking after their property and it is full of junk.  Can something be done?
The City will investigate any complaint regarding living conditions inside a home, as well as yard conditions.  Contact 311 to register a complaint.

The people living at this property cannot look after themselves; there may be physical or mental issues?
The City will investigate any complaint regarding living conditions inside a home, as well as yard conditions.  Contact 311 to register a complaint.

The people living at this property are hoarding all sorts of junk and material and their house is full of it, this is certainly a health and safety hazard?
The City will investigate any complaint regarding living conditions inside a home, as well as yard conditions.  Contact 311 to register a complaint.

Will the City inspect my home or a home I intend to purchase because I suspect there is mould from a previous marijuana grow operation?
The City of Winnipeg will not undertake any air quality testing.  You must contact an “Environmental Consultant” or a “Home Inspection Service”, both of which are listed in the phone book.

I received a deficiency order from the City, what do I need to do? Who can I speak to?  How can I appeal? How can I get more time to deal with repairs?
The deficiency order is sent out as the result of a complaint investigation concerning your property.  The order oultlines in detail specific issues that require corrective action be taken.

To speak to someone about your deficiency order, check the deficiency order, just a few lines under the compliance date, for the contact information (name, phone number, email address) of the inspector/by-law enforcement officer responsible for your area. 

The appeal process details are listed at the bottom of the deficiency order.  

How long does it take for an inspection after a complaint is made?
Depending on the severity of a complaint, the inspection of a property will be conducted within 7 days.  The inspector is not required to make an appointment, but will try contact the complainant to arrange an inspection time.

My neighbours eavestroughing downspout is directed toward my house and it is causing water to get into my basement.  How should the downspout be directed?
The eavestroughing downspouts from any building should drain in such a way that it does not affect neighbouring properties or buildings.  The downspouts can be directed parallel to the property line and the lot level should contain the water so that it remains within your own property.