As temperatures rise in Toronto, tenants without air conditioning in their apartments face ongoing challenges during hot summers. A recent report from the City of Toronto discusses the issue but refrains from setting a maximum indoor temperature for rental units.
The report, set to be reviewed by Mayor Olivia Chow and councillors, highlights various factors such as provincial laws and cost impacts that hinder the implementation of a temperature limit. Back in late 2024, Toronto city council had considered imposing a maximum temperature of 26 degrees Celsius in rental apartments and common cooling rooms, following public consultations.
Advocates have raised concerns about the health and safety implications for tenants living in non-air-conditioned units, especially in a city where temperatures have exceeded 40 degrees Celsius in recent years. Landlords, on the other hand, have expressed worries about the high costs associated with retrofitting buildings and the possibility of passing these expenses on to tenants.
The focus of the report is on around 3,600 apartments governed by the RentSafeTO program, which sets maintenance standards. Staff suggested that buildings without air conditioning in units should maintain a maximum temperature of 26 degrees Celsius between June 1 and Sept. 30 each year, without requiring major construction or demolition.
Furthermore, the report recommends continuing an assistance program to provide air conditioners to low-income households on a pilot project basis. There are also calls for the Ontario government to introduce regulations to safeguard vulnerable tenants, potentially making residential cooling a necessary service.
Gadi Katz, the interim executive director of the City of Toronto’s municipal licensing and standards department, emphasized the need for further study on the issue until 2027. Exploring the implications of setting a maximum indoor temperature involves understanding the compliance impact, costs, and tenant implications.
While no other Canadian municipality has a bylaw regulating indoor apartment temperatures, the Government of British Columbia is contemplating changes to its building code to enhance cooling accessibility. In parallel, additional reports to be reviewed by the executive committee focus on building climate resilience and improving the city’s heat relief strategy.