It's hoped a record-setting fine issued by Sarnia's bylaw enforcement officers will deter landlords from operating illegal dwellings.
The city recently handed down a $30,000 penalty to a repeat offender running an illegal triplex at 115 Vidal St. S.
The same landlord had convictions for illegal commercial uses on Maxwell St. in 2015 and for failing to comply with an unsafe order at a College Ave. residence in 2014.
Supervisor of Bylaw Management Adam MacDonald says it's becoming all too common locally.
"With the Lambton College expansion, and a lot of other things going on around the city, it seems as though a lot of property owners are kind of heading towards creating these illegal units," says MacDonald.
MacDonald says it's been easier to deal with these types of offences since the consolidation of the bylaw enforcement, parking and animal control departments in 2014.
He says anyone with zoning questions can call the city's planning department for more information.