Rental property guide

Tree Grant Planning for London Landlords

Non-resident property owners can apply, but eligibility is not automatic. Treat the program as one part of a documented tree-maintenance plan for the property.

What the City confirms

Non-resident owners are within the published eligibility group

40 cm+Eligible trees must meet the published diameter threshold.
Up to $1,000Maximum per tree; most awards will be less.
Up to $5,000Maximum per property, subject to available funding.
Before workRetrospective applications are not accepted.

Risk and maintenance

Use inspection records to support reasonable property care

Ontario’s Occupiers’ Liability Act can impose a duty on a landlord who is responsible for maintenance or repair of rented premises. The legal result depends on the lease, control of the premises, notice of a problem, foreseeability and whether reasonable care was taken.

A practical record may include tenant reports, dated photographs, arborist assessments, quotes, completed-work invoices and follow-up inspection recommendations.

This is general information, not legal advice. Seek advice for a specific incident, boundary dispute or insurance claim.

Tax treatment

Do not promise a blanket maintenance deduction

CRA guidance allows qualifying current repairs and maintenance expenses for rental property, while capital expenses are treated differently. The correct treatment can depend on the nature and purpose of the work. Keep the arborist’s scope and invoice, and ask a tax professional how the expense and any reimbursement should be reported.

Keep the claim proportionate

Professional assessment and maintenance can reduce identified risk; they cannot guarantee that a branch or tree will never fail.

Primary sources

Check the official rules

Program decisions are made by the City of London. These sources were reviewed on July 29, 2026.

Check preliminary eligibility