Follow the property rules

Bylaws are put in place for a reason and officers need to be allowed into yards to make sure infractions are not being hidden there. Those people who keep their properties nice should not have to suffer with those who don’t. When the city allows absentee landlords and single-family homes to be used as duplexes, they should expect issues and send bylaw officers to such residences on a weekly or monthly basis, and charge the homeowner if there are any infractions. But as usual with this city, nothing gets done unless there is a complaint.

Bylaws are not an infringement. Your responsibility as a renter or homeowner is to follow the rules and keep your property up to the standards of the neighbourhood.

Diana MacKenzie, Hamilton