Hugh Davies, the Corporation of Delta’s Manager, Property Use and Compliance says, “We are seeing a lot of single family homes in our community that have been sold (often to offshore investors) being left unattended with lawns and other landscaping growing out of control and we need your help!”
Delta’s bylaw enforcement team is issuing fines of $200 under the Delta Property Enhancement Bylaw No. 7055, 2012 and following that up with hiring a contractor (at the property owner’s expense) to cut the lawn and perform other maintenance required on single family homes that have been sold and left unattended. These costs are applied to property taxes if they’re not paid. If the property is vacant for more than 30 days, the bylaw authorizes the bylaw inspectors to secure the property if necessary, again at the owner’s expense.
Davies adds, “We realize that once a property has been sold, it is no longer the responsibility of a REALTOR® to ensure that the property remains attractive. However, we’re asking that you pass along our concerns to buyers who may or may not be familiar with local bylaws and maintenance.”
Note: This request could have come from any Fraser Valley municipality. Please advise buyers that many municipalities have bylaws regulating the maintenance of properties.