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Ontario renters now have more control over staying cool during the summer.

As of July 1, 2026, new rules under Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act allow tenants to install a window or portable air conditioner if their landlord does not already provide one, as long as the unit is installed safely and meets the province’s requirements.

The changes are intended to better protect renters during extreme heat while balancing the rights of both tenants and landlords.

Ontario’s New Air Conditioner Rules Explained

Under the new rules, landlords can no longer completely prohibit tenants from installing a window or portable air conditioner if all legal requirements are met.

To install an air conditioner, tenants must:

• Notify their landlord in writing before installation.
• Install the unit safely and securely.
• Follow all applicable municipal bylaws and building or condominium rules.
• Ensure the installation does not damage the rental property.

The new rules apply only if the landlord does not already provide air conditioning.

Can Ontario Landlords Still Charge Extra?

Yes, in some situations.

If the landlord pays for electricity under the lease, they may charge tenants for the actual or reasonably estimated electricity costs associated with operating the air conditioner.

However:

• The charge can only reflect electricity costs.
• The fee must end if the tenant removes the air conditioner or stops using it.
• Landlords cannot introduce a new charge if the lease already allows an air conditioner at no additional cost.

Why Ontario Introduced The New Rules

The province says the changes are designed to give renters greater protection during increasingly hot summers while providing clearer rules for landlords.

The air conditioner provisions were originally included in the Helping Homebuyers, Protecting Tenants Act, 2023, but officially came into force on July 1, 2026.

What Ontario Renters Should Know

For renters living in buildings without central air conditioning, the new legislation provides greater certainty heading into future heat waves.

While tenants now have the legal right to install qualifying window or portable air conditioners in many cases, they must still comply with safety requirements, notify their landlord beforehand, and follow any applicable building rules.

Landlords also retain the right to recover eligible electricity costs when they pay for hydro, creating a balance between tenant protections and property owner responsibilities.

References

Government of Ontario – Residential Tenancies Act amendments (Helping Homebuyers, Protecting Tenants Act, 2023):
https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/s23010

Government of Ontario – Residential Tenancies Act:
https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/06r17

CityNews Toronto – New Ontario tenant air conditioning rules come into effect:
https://toronto.citynews.ca/2026/06/30/new-ontario-tenant-air-conditioning-rules-come-into-effect/

Tribunals Ontario – Legislative Changes at the Landlord and Tenant Board:
https://tribunalsontario.ca/2026/06/30/ltb-operational-update-legislative-changes-at-the-ltb/