Does a Toronto landlord have to provide air conditioning?

Toronto's by-laws do not require a landlord to add air conditioning, but an installed cooling system must run from June 1 to September 30 and keep the unit at no more than 26 degrees Celsius. That is Chapter 497, Indoor Temperature Standards, section 497-2.2 of the Toronto Municipal Code (By-law 1511-2025, in force June 1, 2026). It applies only where air conditioning already exists.

Reviewed 2026-10-03

What the by-law requires

The cooling period used to run from June 2 to September 14. Since April 30, 2025 it runs June 1 to September 30. On June 1, 2026 the City replaced Chapter 497 and moved the cooling rule into it as section 497-2.2, and By-law 67-2026 deleted the old rule, section 629-38 F, the same day. Section 629-38 A of the property standards still requires every air conditioning system to be kept in good repair and working condition whenever it is in use.

A window unit the landlord supplies is a supplied facility under section 629-5. It has to be installed and maintained so it functions safely and effectively, and kept in working condition.

Buildings without cooling

From June 1, 2026, a RentSafeTO apartment building that does not cool every unit keeps at least one existing indoor amenity space at 26 degrees or less from June 1 to September 30, unless only construction could achieve it (Chapter 497, section 497-2.3). The owner posts the cooled space's location and daily hours on the tenant notification board, along with the nearest publicly accessible air conditioned location (Chapter 354, section 354-3.2 B, as amended by By-law 67-2026).

Units the tenant installs

Section 36.1 of the Residential Tenancies Act took effect July 1, 2026. Where the landlord does not supply air conditioning, a tenant may install a window or portable unit after notifying the landlord in writing. The tenant must install it safely and securely and keep it from damaging the unit. A reasonable inspection to check that is a lawful reason for entry with 24 hours written notice.

Where Roundhouse fits

We service central air, ductless splits and heat pumps before the June 1 start, building by building. We only use ECRA/ESA-Licensed Electrical Contractors. See heating and cooling for rentals, or check a reading against the rule with the heat and cooling checker.

Questions

Is air conditioning a vital service in Ontario?

No. Section 2 of the Residential Tenancies Act lists the vital services as hot or cold water, fuel, electricity, gas and, for part of the year, heat. Air conditioning is not on the list.

Can a landlord refuse a tenant's window air conditioner?

Only in the circumstances the regulations prescribe, under section 36.1 (2) of the Residential Tenancies Act. The tenant must give written notice before installing it, install it safely and securely, and make sure it does not damage the unit or the building.

Can a landlord raise the rent for a tenant's air conditioner?

Only where the landlord supplies the electricity, and only by the actual cost of the electricity it uses or a reasonable estimate. The increase comes off when the unit is removed or seasonally stops being used, and it does not apply if the lease allows an air conditioner without a rent increase.

Can air conditioning run before June 1?

Yes. The City says landlords can turn it on earlier and keep it on longer in hot weather, as long as the unit does not drop below 21 degrees Celsius.

Does Toronto ban window air conditioners in apartments?

No. The City states its by-laws do not prohibit window units in apartment buildings. The landlord is responsible for any window unit it supplies being installed and maintained safely.

Sources

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