As mentioned in previous updates, on January 28th, Council adopted the proposed Standards of Maintenance (SOM) Bylaw. The proposed Bylaw will ensure the maintenance of accommodations is upheld and may help maintain affordable housing stock in Port Moody and protect it from premature demolitions. Regarding cooling requirements, in addition to those required under the March 2024 update to the BC Building Code, the SOM Bylaw will require that air conditioning units provided by the landlord be maintained in good working order.   

Since the previous reading, the proposed Bylaw has been amended to clarify when a tenant or when a landlord is responsible for pests and presented an amended draft, which can be viewed in the updated report. 

November 5, 2024 

On October 22nd, Council gave three readings to the proposed Standards of Maintenance (SOM) Bylaw. This will apply to all residential rental properties including rental apartments, rented condo units, secondary suites, detached accessory dwelling units, and unauthorized suites. The SOM Bylaw will set minimum levels a property needs to maintain for building systems, including plumbing, exteriors, floors, vector control, mold, heating, cooling, and electrical. 

The proposed bylaw will ensure the maintenance of accommodations is upheld and may help maintain affordable housing stock in Port Moody and protect it from premature demolitions. Regarding cooling requirements, in addition to those required under the March 2024 update to the BC Building Code, the SOM Bylaw will require that air conditioning units provided by the landlord be maintained in good working order.  

More information can be found in the full report by City staff.