Toronto tenants can now install air conditioning without landlord permission
A change to Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act that took effect July 1 lets renters cool their units if landlords haven't provided AC, though tenants pay the cost.
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Renters in Toronto now have legal permission to install air conditioning in their units without landlord approval, under a change to Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act that took effect on Canada Day, July 1.
The update allows tenants to cool their homes if landlords have not provided air conditioning. Tenants must cover the cost of installation and any additional hydro expenses. Installation must comply with municipality regulations and building management requirements.
The change arrives as Toronto remains under an orange heat warning with temperatures feeling as hot as 42 degrees. On Canada Day itself, Pearson International Airport hit 36 degrees, breaking the previous record of 35.6 degrees set in 2002.
Environment Canada recommends that people without air conditioning use fans or move to cooler areas of their living space, such as cooling centres, community centres, libraries, or shaded parks.
Approximately half of Toronto's population rents their homes, making the new law potentially significant as temperature records continue to be broken.
