OHI | Can My Landlord? · Ontario rental question #36
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Last verified: September 15, 2026
Quick answer: It depends. Ontario’s RTA does not create one universal right to install every air conditioner. A landlord may enforce reasonable safety, installation or building rules, but an absolute ban can require closer review—especially where heat creates a disability-related accommodation need.
The tenancy agreement, electricity arrangement, building design, municipal standards and human-rights obligations can all matter. A rule should address a genuine concern such as unsafe window installation, electrical capacity, drainage or included utility costs rather than operate as an arbitrary penalty.
A tenant should not permanently alter a window, wall or electrical system without appropriate permission and qualified work.
Can the landlord charge an extra seasonal fee?
A fee is not automatically lawful because an appliance increases electricity use. Whether an agreed charge is permitted depends on the lease, utility responsibility and RTA rules. It should not be imposed unilaterally without a lawful basis.
What about safety rules?
Requirements for secure installation, drainage, electrical load and qualified installers can be reasonable. The safest workable alternative—such as a portable unit—should be considered.
What if the tenant has a medical need?
The Ontario Human Rights Code may require individualized accommodation to the point of undue hardship. The parties should exchange only information reasonably needed to understand the functional need and possible solutions.
What should a tenant do?
- Check the lease and request written installation requirements.
- Use an appropriate outlet and secure, non-damaging installation.
- Raise disability-related needs in writing where applicable.
- Keep records of indoor temperatures and communications during extreme heat.
What should a landlord do?
- Base restrictions on documented safety, capacity or property concerns.
- Offer workable installation standards rather than relying on a vague ban.
- Consider human-rights accommodation individually.
- Clarify utility-cost arrangements before the cooling season.
Example
A landlord prohibits an unsecured window unit that could fall over a public walkway but permits a safely installed portable unit. That is more defensible than an unexplained ban during dangerous heat.
Related OHI guides and tools
Official sources
- Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
- Landlord and Tenant Board: Renting in Ontario
- Current LTB forms and instructions
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General information only: This article discusses Ontario residential tenancies and is not legal advice. Some rentals are exempt from all or part of the RTA. Outcomes depend on the facts and evidence. Rules and forms can change; verify current information with Tribunals Ontario or obtain advice from a licensed Ontario legal professional.