London tenants’ rights advocates say it’s good to see the city pushing toward a new bylaw regulating high temperatures in rental units, but argue any protections shouldn’t leave those without air conditioning out in the heat.
It comes as summer months grow warmer due to climate change, bringing more days with temperatures above 30 C. London is set to see more than 46 such days per year by 2050, according to the city.
With that in mind, a report going before the community and protective services committee (CAPS) on Monday recommends a maximum temperature bylaw be drafted and brought forward at a future date.
Suggested conditions for a bylaw, proposed by city staff, would require landlords and property owners of units with air conditioning to keep temperatures below 26 C, but they wouldn’t be obliged to maintain that temperature if the unit already lacked air conditioning.
Any finalized bylaw would include community feedback and be voted …