A new bylaw that establishes maintenance standards for rental properties in Port Moody is more about extending their lifespan than punishing negligent landlords, says the city’s social planner.
Tuesday, Oct. 22, council approved the new rules that would apply to all rental units in Port Moody, including apartments, secondary suites and coach homes.
Shareen Chin said the intent of the new bylaw “is not to immediately fine landlords but to set standards.”
In a report she said most landlords in the city do a pretty good job of maintaining their properties, adding staff currently field about “two or three” complaints from tenants a month.
A housing needs report completed for Port Moody in 2021 said about 5.3 per cent of the rental properties in the city are in need of “major repairs.”
The new standards include ensuring elevators are properly maintained and safe, exterior doors, windows and skylights are weather tight and any openings are protected to prevent the entry of birds, rodents or insects.
As well, locks on doors and windows must work, plumbing fixtures operate properly and are free from leaks and heating systems are capable of maintaining a temperature of 22°C. Landlords will also be prohibited from unreasonably preventing tenants from using a portable air conditioning unit to keep their apartment cool.
Violators could face municipal fines from $250 to $1,000 for each infraction, or up to $50,000 if proceedings are brought under the province’s Offence Act.
Chin said the new bylaw will work in conjunction with procedures set by the Residential Tenancy Branch. But seeking resolution of repair and maintenance issues through the provincial agency can be a lengthy, drawn out process, she said; municipal rules will speed repairs and can bolster a tenant’s case to the tenancy branch.
Coun. Amy Lubik, who’s been a champion for renters in Port Moody, said the municipal bylaw “is critical for filling in the gaps for protections” of tenants.
“We want to make sure people don’t have to live with mould, cold or extreme heat,” she said. “I’m sure renters will be very appreciative.”
