NEW ONTARIO LAW: Tenants Can Now Install Air Conditioners Starting July 1, 2026
❄️ NEW ONTARIO LAW: Tenants Can Now Install Air Conditioners Starting July 1, 2026
With hotter summers becoming the norm, Ontario has introduced new protections for renters.
Beginning July 1, 2026, tenants have the legal right to install a window or portable air conditioner if their landlord does not already provide air conditioning.
However, there are important conditions:
✅ The tenant must notify the landlord in writing before installing the unit.
✅ If the landlord pays for electricity, the tenant must provide information about the air conditioner’s energy efficiency and expected usage.
✅ The air conditioner must be installed safely and securely.
✅ The installation must not damage the rental unit or the residential complex.
✅ The installation must comply with all applicable municipal by-laws, property standards, condominium rules (where applicable), and other legal requirements.
✅ The tenant is responsible for maintaining the unit in accordance with applicable laws.
Can the landlord charge extra?
If the landlord pays for electricity, they may charge only the actual cost (or a reasonable estimate of the actual cost) of operating the air conditioner—unless the lease specifically says no additional charge may be made.
If the tenant removes the air conditioner or stops using it seasonally, that additional rent charge must also be removed.
Can a landlord simply say “No”?
Not automatically.
The new legislation does not give landlords unlimited authority to prohibit air conditioners. While future regulations may identify limited circumstances where they can be prohibited, landlords generally cannot refuse simply because they do not want tenants to have one.
As Ontario continues to experience more frequent heat waves, these changes help tenants stay safe while balancing landlords’ legitimate concerns about safety, installation, and electricity costs.
Know your rights, understand your responsibilities, and stay cool this summer!
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