Vancouver landlords could soon face fines of $1,000 if they prevent tenants from installing portable air conditioners, following a unanimous vote by city council on Wednesday. The bylaw amendment makes it a ticketable offence to refuse tenants the use of cooling devices, a move aimed at preventing heat-related deaths similar to those during the 2021 heat dome.
Council vote and background
The proposal, introduced by OneCity Coun. Lucy Maloney and COPE Coun. Sean Orr, passed without opposition. Vancouver joins New Westminster and Port Moody in the Metro Vancouver region, as well as several U.S. municipalities, in establishing regulations that support renters' access to cooling. The 2021 heat dome resulted in 619 heat-related deaths in British Columbia, including 117 in Vancouver, with 98% occurring indoors, often in homes lacking adequate cooling.
Exceptions and enforcement
The new bylaw includes an exception for landlords who can demonstrate that installing air conditioners is not reasonably feasible due to building limitations or safety concerns. In such cases, landlords must apply to Vancouver's chief licence inspector with evidence from a certified professional, such as an architect or engineer, explaining why cooling devices cannot be accommodated.
Advocacy and health perspectives
Several doctors and advocates addressed council in support of the amendments. Dr. Michael Schwandt, a medical health officer with Vancouver Coastal Health, noted that many tenancy agreements prohibit air conditioners, putting tenants at risk of eviction when they try to stay cool. Sarah Marsden, director of systems change and legal at First United Church, warned that while the 2021 heat dome was unprecedented, similar events will become more frequent due to climate change. "Clearly, the next heat dome is not a question of if, but when. And it could be as soon as this month," she said.
Provincial action urged
Council also voted to pressure the provincial government for broader action. Mayor Ken Sim will write to B.C.'s minister of housing and municipal affairs to advocate for changes to the Residential Tenancy Act and Strata Property Act, prohibiting landlords and strata corporations from restricting portable cooling devices. The letter will also seek an update on Vancouver's previous request for the ability to establish maximum indoor temperature standards.
ABC Coun. Sarah Kirby-Yung expressed hope that the province would act swiftly, noting that provincial housing minister Christine Boyle advocated for tenants' cooling rights during her time as a Vancouver councillor.
