Do You Know What a Property Standards Order Is?
Toronto Property Owners & Managers – Don’t Ignore Railing Violations!
If you’re a homeowner or property manager in Toronto, there’s one thing you definitely don’t want to see in your mailbox — a Property Standards Order (PSO) from the City of Toronto. It’s more than just a notice; it’s a formal demand to fix something that’s unsafe or not up to code — and if ignored, it can lead to serious financial and legal consequences.
One of the most common issues that triggers a PSO? Railings — especially on stairwells, balconies, and outdoor walkways.
In this post, we’ll break down exactly what a Property Standards Order is, why railing violations are so common, and how Steel Work Solutions can help you stay compliant and protect your property — and your people.
What Is a Property Standards Order?
A Property Standards Order is an official notice issued by the City of Toronto’s Municipal Licensing & Standards Division. It’s based on Toronto’s Municipal Code Chapter 629: Property Standards, which outlines the minimum standards for building maintenance and occupant safety.
If an inspector finds that part of your property doesn’t meet these standards, they’ll issue a PSO — detailing:
- The problem (e.g., loose stair rail, rusted guardrail)
- The bylaw or code it violates
- A compliance deadline
- The actions required to correct it
Failure to comply can result in:
- Fines
- City-contracted repairs billed to you
- Legal proceedings and further penalties
Common Railing Violations That Trigger a PSO
While the City inspects for a wide range of issues, railings are a frequent offender — and for good reason: they’re critical to occupant safety.
Here are some railing issues that often result in orders:
Stair Railings
- Missing or broken handrails on interior or exterior staircases
- Handrails that are too low or not properly secured
- Inadequate graspability or spacing
Balcony Guardrails
- Railings shorter than the minimum required height
- Openings in guardrails that are too wide (risk for children)
- Rust, corrosion, or loose anchor points
Outdoor Railings
- Unstable or damaged railings on porches, decks, or walkways
- Metal railings with rust and structural compromise
- Railings that don’t meet Ontario Building Code specifications
Why These Orders Are Taken Seriously
Unsafe railings are more than just a code violation — they’re a serious safety hazard. Whether it’s a tenant falling from a loose balcony rail or a visitor injured on unstable stairs, the consequences can be life-altering — and the liability falls on the property owner or manager.
City inspectors treat railing-related violations as high priority, especially in:
- Multi-residential buildings
- Older properties
- Homes with children or seniors
A Special Note for Property Managers
As a property manager, you’re responsible not only for the maintenance of your building but also for the safety of your tenants and visitors. Tenants can — and often do — report unsafe conditions directly to the city, prompting inspections.
If you receive a PSO:
- You’re legally responsible for resolving the issue quickly
- Delays can lead to forced compliance at your cost
- Your reputation and business relationships are at stake
We recommend scheduling routine railing inspections at least once per year and working with a reliable partner like Steel Work Solutions to proactively address any concerns before they turn into violations.
How Steel Work Solutions Can Help
At Steel Work Solutions, we specialize in custom metal railings that meet and exceed the requirements of the City of Toronto and the Ontario Building Code.
Here’s how we help you stay compliant:
- Railing inspections & assessments
- Repairs for stair railings, balconies, decks, and porches
- Custom fabrication for replacements
- Fast response to meet compliance deadlines
- Service for both homeowners and multi-unit property managers
We’ve worked with clients across the Greater Toronto Area to help bring properties back up to code quickly, safely, and affordably.
What to Do If You Receive a Property Standards Order
If you’ve already received a Property Standards Order, here’s your game plan:
- Read the order carefully — identify the violation, deadline, and scope of work
- Contact a qualified contractor — Steel Work Solutions is just a call away for all of your railings and steel work needs
- Schedule an inspection or quote — we’ll assess the issue and recommend a fix
- Get the work done — before the city’s deadline. We’ll work closely with you to ensure the repairs or replacements are completed on time and to code. .
- Request a re-inspection from the city to close the order. We will work with you and the city if further work is needed to ensure all requirements are met and the issue is fully resolved.
Real-Life Example
One of our recent clients, a Toronto property manager, received a Property Standards Order due to low stairwell railings that didn’t meet the required height under the Ontario Building Code. The railings posed a safety risk, especially for children and seniors using the stairs. We were contacted immediately and conducted a site assessment within 24 hours. Our team designed and installed new, code-compliant railings that matched the home’s aesthetic while meeting all safety requirements. The project was completed within a week, and the city re-inspection cleared the order without issue. The homeowner avoided penalties and gained peace of mind knowing their home was safe and up to code.
Here are the before and after photos for this project.
Final Thoughts
Whether you manage a 30-unit building or own a single-family home, railing safety isn’t optional — and neither is compliance with Toronto’s property standards.
A Property Standards Order doesn’t have to be a crisis. With the right support, you can address violations quickly and confidently — and make your property safer in the process.
Need Help with Railing Repairs or Replacement?
Steel Work Solutions is here to help. We serve homeowners and property managers across Toronto with reliable, code-compliant railing services. If you’ve received a Property Standards Order — or just want to stay ahead of the curve — contact us today for a free consultation.
