CKNW 980: Tenants urge Surrey to prevent deteriorating housing

A group of tenants is urging Surrey to take immediate action to help prevent deteriorating conditions in rental housing.

The groups wants Surrey to bring in a “standards of maintenance” bylaw.

Spokesperson Sue Collard of the group “ACORN [Canada]” says that would allow tenants to ask the city to inspect rental units that are deteriorating, or issue an order to make repairs.

“There’s a greater chance housing issues will become more pressing as buildings continue to age and deteriorate,” Collard says.

She adds a new bylaw would not solve housing quality issues but it’s helped encourage landlords to main buildings properly in many cities including Vancouver.

A group of tenants is urging Surrey to take immediate action to help prevent deteriorating conditions in rental housing.

The groups wants Surrey to bring in a “standards of maintenance” bylaw.

Spokesperson Sue Collard of the group “ACORN [Canada]” says that would allow tenants to ask the city to inspect rental units that are deteriorating, or issue an order to make repairs.

“There’s a greater chance housing issues will become more pressing as buildings continue to age and deteriorate,” Collard says.

She adds a new bylaw would not solve housing quality issues but it’s helped encourage landlords to main buildings properly in many cities including Vancouver.