Air Conditioner Rules – Updates come into effect July 1, 2026
The Government of Ontario issued a memorandum providing notice that amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 which were made through Bill 97, Helping Homebuyers, Protecting Tenants Act, 2023 will come into effect on July 1, 2026. The amendments will prescribe the following for tenants and landlords:
- Explicitly allow all tenants to install window or portable air conditioning units in cases where the landlord does not supply air conditioning, subject to certain exceptions and conditions, such as the appliance is installed safely and securely.
- In certain circumstances, where the landlord is obligated to supply electricity to the rental unit under the tenancy agreement, the landlord may increase the rent charged to the tenant, subject to the tenancy agreement providing otherwise.
- Through the changes to the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, the rules are set out to require rent decreases if a tenant seasonally ceases to use an air conditioner or removes it.
Read our information sheet to learn more and to see if your landlord can charge you extra for using your air conditioner.
