Broken sprinkler systems, malfunctioning fire exits and excessive amounts of stored combustibles are among bylaw violations certain landlords must justify to prospective tenants after the City of Vancouver launched a rental standards database Wednesday.

Vancouverites searching for new accommodations can go to vancouver.ca/SafeRental and enter an address, search a city map or scan a list to discover which rental buildings have bylaw issues going back one year.

“This is going to motivate property owners and landlords to keep (their properties) in good order,” said Coun. Tim Stevenson, who checked the database to find out if the building he rents in has any open bylaw issues. “Thankfully, it’s all in compliance.”

A search of the database revealed the most prolific bylaw violators are single-room occupancy buildings in the Downtown Eastside. The Marble Arch Hotel and a building at 561 East Hastings St. have 141 and 133 current issues, respectively.

“SRO landlords will know that (they’re) not in compliance and the city is on to them,” Stevenson added.

About 2,500 buildings compromising 70,000 of the city’s rental units are featured on the list, which includes buildings with five or more residential units.

Top 10 bylaw violators

• 518 Richards St., 141 current issues
• 561 East Hastings St., 133 current issues
• 235 East Hastings St., 129 current issues
• 110 Water St., 122 current issues
• 316 Powell St., 106 current issues
• 50 East Cordova, 103 current issues
• 362 Alexander St., 82 current issues
• 104 W 11th Ave., 69 current issues
• 122 Water St., 43 current issues
• 204 Carrall St., 42 current issues