Landlords could face $1,000 fines for refusing tenants access to AC
The new bylaw amendment went into effect on June 3.
On June 3, council in Vancouver, B.C. unanimously voted to amend a city bylaw, which means landlords could now be slapped with a $1,000 fine if they prohibit tenants from installing portable air conditioners.
The regulation went into effect that same day.
The proposal is the result of a 2025 motion introduced by OneCity Coun. Lucy Maloney and COPE Coun. Sean Orr, the Vancouver Sun reports.
New Westminster and Port Moody, two other cities in Metro Vancouver, have already enacted similar prohibitions.
There are exceptions for building owners whose properties would require major upgrades to accommodate the installation of portable air conditioners, or if there are reasonable safety concerns. In those instances, the landlord would be subject to an inspection from a certified architect or engineer to verify the claims.
High temperatures expected in Vancouver this weekend
The new law has come into effect just days ahead of a forecasted heat spike across parts of B.C., with warm temperatures expected in Vancouver on Sunday.
2021 “heat dome” started conversation around air conditioning regulations
Between June 18 and Aug. 12, 2021, parts of B.C. experienced historic heatwave conditions, with a prolonged period of temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.
A coroner’s report found that 619 people died during the heat dome event, most of whom were elderly and vulnerable individuals living in buildings without air conditioning. The report found that 98 per cent of those deaths occurred indoors.
At the time, officials called for better support for residents who are vulnerable to extreme heat events.
Ontario to see new regulations come into effect in July
In Canada, regulations regarding landlords, their tenants, and the installation of air conditioners vary by province and municipality.
Starting July 1, 2026, Ontario tenants will also be permitted to install cooling devices in rental units without penalty, the Ottawa Citizen reports.