Landlords in B.C. warning renters against installing AC units despite rising heat

Renters in British Columbia have received notices from landlords warning them against installing air conditioning units in their suites, or risk jeopardizing their tenancies.

Renters in British Columbia have received notices from landlords warning them against installing air conditioning units in their suites, or risk jeopardizing their tenancies.

Tenants in multiple buildings under different management companies expressed frustration after landlords denied their requests to install air conditioning units, just weeks after the province announced a program to provide air conditioners to eligible British Columbians.

Health Minister Adrian Dix said at least 50 per cent of the free air conditioning units were expected to be installed in apartments or multi-unit dwellings.

But weeks later, tenants and tenant advocates are speaking out, saying their landlords have discouraged them from using air conditioning units.

Ryan Le Neal purchased a standing air conditioning unit for his New Westminster apartment three years ago. He wasn't worried about using it until he got an email on June 1 warning him that "management cannot authorize any tenants to install A/C units."