The Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) has called on Victoria to increase minimum housing conditions for renters as a result of the 2021 heat dome deaths.
A resolution before delegates at the UBCM convention in Vancouver said deaths occurred in low-income and multi-unit residential buildings that lacked access to cooling — and that poor building maintenance contributes to poor occupant health.
The Residential Tenancy Act states in general terms that landlords must comply with health, safety and housing standards required by law, including supplying heat but not cooling.
The resolution said the province enables local government to enact standards of maintenance to enforce basic levels of maintenance for rental accommodation. But many local governments either do not have bylaws in place, or existing bylaws are inadequate in a changing climate.
The resolution request the province make the necessary changes to the Standards of Maintenance Guide to align with B.C. Building Code regulations for maximum and minimum temperature standards.
'Level playing field'
Such changes should ensure that considerations of health and climate hazards such as mould, precipitation, extreme heat and cold conditions are included.
With such regulations in place, supports for investigation and enforcement should be available at the regional and provincial level so that communities of every size have protection for renters.
Similar resolutions have been supported in the past.
Port Moody Coun. Samantha Agtarap said renters should have the same access to standards rather than a patchwork of standards.
“This resolution asks for a level playing field across the province,” she said.
Premier David Eby is scheduled to speak at the UBCM convention Thursday.
