Toronto moves closer to a maximum heat bylaw for rentals

Toronto city council has directed staff to draft a bylaw that would set a maximum indoor temperature of 26 C for rental units. The proposed rule would make landlords responsible for keeping apartments below that limit, and staff are expected to bring the draft back by June 2027. The idea has been under discussion in the city since 2012, but it has faced resistance over costs and possible rent increases tied to building upgrades. Landlord groups say many older buildings would be expensive to retrofit, while tenant advocates have pushed for stronger protections during hot weather. Council also asked staff to explore financial support for tenants and to seek changes to Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act to prevent landlords from raising rent above guideline levels to cover compliance costs. Separately, provincial changes taking effect July 1 will allow tenants to install window or portable air conditioners in units without builtin cooling, as long as they are installed safely.