Tenant Rights to Cooling During Heatwaves in Ontario

Ontario’s summers can be dangerously hot, and record-breaking heatwaves are increasingly common. Many tenants wonder if their landlord is legally required to provide air conditioning or cooling during extreme heat. It’s important to know your rights, your landlord’s responsibilities, and what options are available for staying safe and comfortable in your rental unit.

Is Air Conditioning a Legal Requirement in Ontario Rentals?

In Ontario, the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006¹ sets out what landlords must provide regarding maintenance and essential services. While heating is required by law throughout colder months, there currently is no explicit legal requirement for landlords to provide air conditioning. However, landlords must ensure the rental property is maintained in a good state of repair and is fit for habitation.

Municipal Property Standards and Maximum Temperatures

Some Ontario municipalities, such as Toronto and Hamilton, have local bylaws requiring landlords to ensure that indoor temperatures don’t exceed a maximum limit in summer (often around 26°C) if air conditioning is already present. However, these bylaws do not compel landlords to install air conditioning where it did not previously exist.

• If your unit came with air conditioning: The landlord is responsible for maintaining it in good, working order.
• If there is no air conditioning: The landlord is not legally obligated to install it, unless your lease specifically states it will be provided.

Essential Services and Heat Safety for Tenants

While air conditioning may not be an essential service under Ontario law, landlords must still ensure that the home is safe, healthy, and in compliance with maintenance standards. Prolonged extreme heat can pose serious health risks, especially for seniors, children, and those with health conditions.

Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting can help you understand broader obligations and resources if your living conditions are unsafe.

Seeking Relief During a Heatwave

• Use fans and portable air conditioners if allowed by your tenancy agreement.
• Request permission in writing to install a window or portable A/C unit if needed.
• Contact your landlord about maintaining or repairing existing cooling equipment.

Requesting Repairs or Maintenance for Cooling

If your rental unit includes air conditioning or other cooling systems and they break down, you have the right to request repairs. Landlords are responsible for ensuring provided amenities remain functional, including A/C units that are part of the rental agreement. For more details, see Routine Repairs in Rental Units:Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

How to Request Repairs

Send your landlord a written request (email, letter, or text) describing the problem and asking for repair. If the issue is urgent and the landlord does not respond, you may file a complaint with the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), Ontario’s official residential tenancy tribunal.

Relevant Forms for Tenants

• Form T6 – Tenant Application About Maintenance: If your landlord is not making required repairs (for cooling, if provided), you can use Form T6 to apply to the LTB. This form is used to report and resolve maintenance issues through the adjudication process.
  Example: Your in-unit A/C stops working during a heatwave, you notify your landlord but no repair is made. After making a written request and waiting a reasonable time, you can complete and submit Form T6. View Form T6 (PDF)

Protecting Your Health During Hot Weather

If you experience dangerous heat in your home, act quickly to avoid health risks like heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Contact your local municipality to learn about available cooling centres and tenant supports, especially during heat alerts.

Tenants can take simple steps to protect themselves in hot weather, but landlords remain responsible for providing a healthy, safe unit that meets local bylaw and maintenance standards.

For a fuller picture of your legal rights, see Tenant Rights in Ontario. If you’re searching for new housing with amenities to fit your needs, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

FAQ: Tenant Rights and Cooling in Ontario

1. Are landlords required to install air conditioning in Ontario?
   No, there is no provincial law mandating landlords to provide or install air conditioning unless your written lease states otherwise. Some cities may have maximum temperature bylaws if existing A/C is provided.
2. What can I do if my air conditioner stops working?
   Report the problem to your landlord in writing. If not repaired within a reasonable time, you may file Form T6 with the Landlord and Tenant Board.
3. Are fans or portable air conditioners allowed?
   Most leases allow fans, and many permit portable A/C units. Always check your tenancy agreement and get your landlord’s written approval if required.
4. Is there a maximum legal temperature for apartments in Ontario?
   Ontario’s provincial law does not set a maximum, but some cities have bylaws limiting indoor temperatures if A/C is provided.
5. Can my landlord remove an existing air conditioner?
   Usually, if the air conditioner was included in your rental agreement, the landlord cannot remove it without your agreement or a mutual lease change.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Ontario Tenants

• Landlords must repair and maintain cooling equipment if it was provided with your unit.
• Ontario law does not require landlords to install air conditioning where it didn’t exist, but local bylaws or lease agreements may offer more protection.
• Submit maintenance requests in writing and use Form T6 if repairs are ignored.

Know your options during heatwaves and communicate openly with your landlord to stay safe. Review your lease and local bylaws to understand your rental’s cooling requirements.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario (LTB) — Application forms and dispute resolution
• Ontario Standard Lease Guide — Know your lease terms
• 211 Ontario — Community services, including cooling centres during heatwaves
• Local municipal services — Check your city’s website for heat alert and cooling bylaw information

1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Ontario)
2. Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario