VANCOUVER, B.C. — Green Councillor Pete Fry is welcoming City Council’s unanimous approval of his motion to strengthen Vancouver’s Standards of Maintenance By-law, closing critical gaps related to mould, indoor air quality, and water damage in rental housing.

The motion, Enhanced Tools for Standards of Property Maintenance, responds to growing concerns about unsafe living conditions in rental units and aims to modernize local regulations so they better protect tenant health and safety.

“Tenants should not have to live with mould, chronic water damage, or poor air quality just because the rules haven’t kept up,” said Councillor Fry. “This is about ensuring our standards reflect real-world health risks and that tenants actually understand their rights.”

Addressing Gaps That Affect Health and Safety

Vancouver’s current Standards of Maintenance By-law does not explicitly address mould, indoor air quality, or water damage, despite clear links between these issues and serious health outcomes including respiratory illness, allergic reactions, and long-term chronic conditions.

While provincial law requires landlords to comply with local maintenance standards, Fry noted that those standards must be clear, enforceable, and accessible to be effective.

“Provincial tenancy rules point tenants back to local standards,” Fry added. “If our by-laws don’t clearly name these hazards, or if renters can’t easily understand what protections exist, the system isn’t working as intended.”

Learning from Best Practices

The motion directs City staff to report back with proposed amendments to the Standards of Maintenance By-law, drawing on best practices from other jurisdictions, including cities that explicitly define mould, ventilation, and water damage as hazards requiring timely remediation.

Staff are also directed to develop a plain-language version of the by-law and related tenant information, improving public access to guidance on health, safety, and available remedies.

“People shouldn’t need a law degree to know whether their home is safe,” said Fry. “Clear rules and clear information help everyone: tenants, landlords, and enforcement staff alike.”

A Unanimous Vote for Health and Accountability

Council’s unanimous vote reflects broad agreement that modernized maintenance standards are a necessary part of protecting renters and preventing long-term building deterioration.

“This is a common-sense step toward healthier homes and stronger accountability,” Fry said. “It’s about setting clear expectations and making sure Vancouver’s housing standards meet the realities people are facing today.”

IMAGE