Ottawa landlords could pay fines for noisy tenants if a proposed amendment to the noise bylaw is passed next spring.
The move comes after a town hall meeting was held Oct. 13 to address the “student noise issue” in the South Keys-Greenboro neighbourhood. The meeting dealt with the influx of students into the neighbourhood and the effect it was having.
The bylaw department wants the power to charge landlords for noisy tenants, said bylaw enforcement officer Craig Calder. Landlords can presently be fined for their tenants’ loud music, but cannot be charged for shouting — the other type of noise violation, he said.
Calder wants landlords to be more responsible for their properties, but it wasn’t immediately clear what action the city hoped landlords would take in such situations.
It’s unclear at this point whether the bylaw will be adopted.
“It’s important to note that significant consultation is required involving various stakeholders before an amendment is brought forward to committee and [city council],” said Barre Campbell, a City of Ottawa corporate media relatons officer, via email. “Landlords are bound by the Residential [Tenancies] Act, which is provincial legislation,” he added.
Ottawa’s bylaw and regulatory services doesn’t keep track of the number of people charged with noise infractions, Campbell said, noting the urban wards tend to receive more noise complaints.
In 2010, the city received 827 noise complaints in the Capital Ward, which includes Carleton and several student neighbourhoods in the direct vicinity, he said.
The city received 2,538 complaints from the Rideau-Vanier Ward, Campbell said, which includes the University of Ottawa and Sandy Hill, another popular student neighbourhood.
The fine for a noise infraction is currently $305, plus a $75 victim surcharge, which totals $380. The city has no current plans to increase that fine, he said.
