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New Air Conditioning Rules for Ontario Landlords
Dated: July 3 2026
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New Air Conditioning Rules Every Ontario Landlord Should Know
If you own rental property in Ontario, there's an important legislative update you should be aware of.
Effective July 1, 2026, new rules under Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act allow tenants to install and use a portable or window air conditioner when air conditioning isn’t already supplied by the landlord, provided certain conditions are met.
What Changed?
When a landlord does not provide air conditioning, tenants may install their own portable or window air conditioner, provided they comply with the new requirements.
Where the landlord pays for electricity, tenants must:
- Notify the landlord in writing before installing the unit.
- Provide information about the unit's energy efficiency and expected usage.
- Ensure the installation does not damage the rental unit or building.
- Install the unit safely and securely.
- Comply with all applicable municipal property standards by-laws, condominium by-laws and other applicable laws.
- Maintain the air conditioner in accordance with applicable regulations.
- Comply with any additional conditions that may apply in the future if the province prescribes them by way of additional regulations.
The above safety and compliance requirements apply to air conditioners installed on or after July 1, 2026.
What About Existing Air Conditioners?
If a tenant installed a portable or window air conditioner before July 1, 2026, the safety and compliance requirements still apply.
However, those tenants are not required to:
- Provide written notice to the landlord.
- Provide information regarding energy efficiency or anticipated electricity usage.
Can Landlords Prohibit an Air Conditioner?
In certain prescribed circumstances, a landlord may prohibit a tenant from installing an air conditioner.
However, at this time, those circumstances have not yet been defined, meaning landlords should not assume they have the right to prohibit tenants from installing an air conditioner.
Can Landlords Increase Rent?
If the landlord pays for electricity and the tenant installs an air conditioner on or after July 1, 2026, the landlord may raise the rent to recover the actual cost or a reasonable estimate of the additional electricity used.
There are important limitations:
- The lease agreement may already prohibit such an increase.
- Rent must be reduced if the air conditioner is removed.
- Rent must also be reduced during periods when the tenant stops using the unit, such as during the winter months.
Unlike traditional rent increases, these adjustments:
- Can occur more than once per year.
- Do not require 90 days' notice.
- Do not require approval from the Landlord and Tenant Board.
- Do not count toward Ontario's annual rent increase guideline.
Moreover, even if an LTB order currently stops the landlord from raising rent on a rental unit—for example, because the landlord has not yet completed required repairs or complied with work orders—that order does not block the air conditioning rent increase.
Landlord Inspections
Landlords may inspect a rental unit to verify that an air conditioner has been installed safely and complies with the legislation.
As with any inspection under the Residential Tenancies Act, proper written notice must be provided before entering the rental unit.
Final Thoughts
For landlords, these changes introduce new responsibilities while also providing a process for recovering eligible electricity costs in certain situations.
Whether you’re a first-time landlord or an experienced investor, staying informed about changes affecting Ontario rental properties can help you protect your investment and avoid costly surprises.
If you're looking to grow your rental portfolio or have questions about Ontario's rental market, reach out any time.
We have you covered.
Sources:
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. If you have questions about how this legislation applies to your specific situation, consult a qualified legal professional.
Zubin Abuwalla
Zubin is an award-winning ReMax Realtor® with an impeccable track record of sales and customer service, having established himself as a Real Estate Agent that walks the walk, also being a passionate ....
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