Safe Rental Housing
Public Health Inspectors, in partnership with other agencies, work to ensure the housing environments we live in are safe and meet minimum housing standards. Public Health Inspectors may investigate certain rental housing conditions on a complaint basis.
What types of issues could a Public Health Inspector assist with?
- Lack of plumbing
- Lack of drinking water supply
- Lack of water heating facilities
- Sewer back-ups
- Rodent/insect harbourage or infestation
- Lack of heating
- Extensive mould
If you are not the current legal tenant or owner of the rental accommodation you are concerned about, keep in mind Public Health Inspectors will have limited ability to assist in rectifying the situation. Public Health inspectors do not assist in rectifying non-health related concerns such as cosmetic updating, noise violations or appliance repairs. Disputes over rental payments, including damage deposits are best handled by the Office of Residential Tenancies.
Landlords and tenants have both rights and responsibilities. Landlords are responsible for ensuring rental housing is kept in good repair and free of pests. Tenants are responsible to notify their landlord when there is an issue that requires their attention. A good relationship between tenants and landlords can help to create environments where people feel safe and protected in their homes.
Please contact your Public Health Inspector to submit a Housing related complaint.
If you have a concern regarding a rental unit that is not health related (listed above) please contact The Office of Residential Tenancies.