Advocates call for rules to keep Vancouver renters cooler during heat wave

As a heat wave descends on Metro Vancouver, rental advocates say more needs to be done to protect tenants who don’t have access to air conditioning.

Temperature records have been tumbling across B.C. since temperatures began to rise across the South Coast on Sunday.

While many have been seeking relief under the shade, at the beach, or at the pool, the mercury continues to rise indoors for many.

Robert Patterson, a staff lawyer with the Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre, says he’s been contacted by tenants who want air conditioning installed in their units.

“A lot of them are encountering problems with their landlords who are saying that they’re not allowed to do that, often times saying their tenant agreements say that they can’t have air conditioners,” he told CityNews.

Robert Patterson, a staff lawyer with the Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre, says he’s heard from tenants who say they want air conditioning installed in their rentals but are facing challenges. (CityNews Image)

While the heat isn’t expected to let up until later in the week, officials are not expecting a repeat of the deadly 2021 heat dome, even as temperatures in some areas push into the high 30s.

Meanwhile, the City of Vancouver has been looking at how the heat affects residents indoors. Mayor Ken Sim says the study, which is nearly finished, could lead to changes to Vancouver’s building code or bylaws.

Patterson says it’s time to treat cooling systems like heating regulations.

“Right now, if a landlord doesn’t provide adequate heat for a rental unit, the tenant has the right to, sort of, do it themselves. Heat is seen as an essential service and if there’s something broken with the heating system or it’s not operative, a tenant can perform an emergency repair to bring it up to working level where they live in their unit,” he explained.

Related articles:

• Records fall as heat wave spreads from B.C.’s south coast to Interior

• Take precautions, check in on elderly and vulnerable people during heatwave: health officials

• Metro Vancouver cooling centres open as heat sets in for Lower Mainland

• As B.C. temperatures soar, advocates call for rules to keep rental housing cool

More than 40 heat warnings or special weather statements have been issued in B.C., with sweltering conditions expected to last until at least Thursday.

People are being reminded to drink lots of water, seek out cooler spaces, and check in on vulnerable groups, such as those aged 65 and up and those with mobility or health issues.

A number of cooling centres are open across the Lower Mainland, as are many pools and beaches.

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