City shrugs off responsibility for rentals

City of Vancouver argues it doesn't have to inspect or order repairs for rental buildings, court told

SHANNON RUPP
November 6, 2007

The City of Vancouver is mystifying renters and at least one councillor by taking the position that it doesn't have to inspect or order repairs for rental buildings that don't meet safety standards.

The argument is part of Vancouver's defence in a B.C. Supreme Court case by James McQueen, a former resident of one of the single-resident-occupancy hotels on the city's notorious Downtown Eastside.

Mr. McQueen, who is represented by David Eby of Pivot Legal, is suing for damages, including the possessions he lost, when the city closed the Picadilly Hotel abruptly on Feb. 28. According to Mr. Eby, his client had been living in a substandard building for about a year and a half due to the lack of regular inspection and bylaw enforcement by the city.

"The city should have been there way earlier," Mr. Eby said.

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