The New Westminster City Council has approved a new bylaw amendment that requires landlords and property owners to maintain a safe indoor temperature in rental units.

City Hall says that the regulation requires that at least one room in a rental unit cannot exceed 26 C overnight between 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO 1130 NEWSRADIO VANCOUVER LIVE!

The updated Business Regulations and Licensing bylaw will be in place every year between April 1 and Oct. 31.

In a written statement, City Hall says that the new bylaw comes in response to previous heat waves.

A first step in that direction came last year, when council banned property owners from prohibiting cooling devices, such as air conditioners, in rental units.

“Following the devastating heat dome event in 2021, the city has taken significant steps to better prepare for and respond to extreme heat. This includes strengthening emergency preparedness measures, identifying vulnerable buildings and populations, and making previous bylaw changes aimed at reducing heat-related risks,” said Mayor Patrick Johnstone. 

According to the city, the 2021 heat dome event killed 33 New Westminster residents alone.

In order to comply with the new regulations, property owners are advised to conduct a cooling audit and work with tenants to identify the best measures and options.

“Property owners may choose whichever cooling solution best fits their building while maintaining the safe indoor temperature,” the city’s statement read.

“Low-cost ways to reduce indoor temperatures include thermal curtains, window films, portable AC units, ceiling fans, standing fans, basic air sealing, and HVAC filter cleaning.”