Property standards are municipal bylaws establishing minimum requirements for maintaining buildings and property in safe, healthy, and acceptable condition. These regulations cover issues like structural integrity, pest control, waste storage, yard maintenance, snow removal, graffiti, and abandoned vehicles. Property standards help prevent neighbourhood blight and protect public health and safety. Municipal bylaw officers investigate complaints and can issue orders requiring property owners to address violations. Failure to comply can result in fines, and municipalities may perform the work themselves and add costs to the property tax bill. Property standards apply to both occupied and vacant properties.