Victoria city councillors have voted unanimously to study heat-protection rules for rental properties, including a potential maximum indoor temperature of 26 degrees Celsius. The decision, made during a council meeting, aims to safeguard tenants during increasingly frequent extreme heat events.
Unanimous Vote for Tenant Safety
The motion, brought forward by Councillor Sarah Potts, received full support from council members. It directs city staff to explore regulatory options such as requiring landlords to maintain indoor temperatures below 26 C during heat waves. The study will also consider measures like mandatory air conditioning or cooling centers.
"This is about basic health and safety," Potts said. "We know that extreme heat can be deadly, especially for vulnerable populations. Tenants deserve protection."
Context and Next Steps
Victoria has experienced record-breaking temperatures in recent years, including a 2021 heat dome that contributed to hundreds of deaths across British Columbia. The proposed heat limit would apply to all rental units, with exceptions for buildings where retrofitting is infeasible.
City staff will consult with landlords, tenant advocacy groups, and public health officials before presenting a report within six months. The report will outline potential costs, enforcement mechanisms, and timelines for implementation.
If adopted, Victoria would become one of the first Canadian cities to impose a maximum indoor temperature for rentals. Similar regulations exist in some U.S. cities, such as Portland, Oregon, which requires cooling in all rental units.
