As of July 1, 2026, tenants can install their own window or portable air conditioner where the landlord doesn't provide one — and landlords who pay for the electricity can add a seasonal, electricity-based charge. Here's exactly how it works, for both sides.
Plain-language summary of Landlord and Tenant Board guidance. Not legal advice.
Quick facts
Under Ontario's updated rules, tenants generally have the right to install a window or portable air conditioner in a unit where the landlord does not provide air conditioning — provided they comply with the Residential Tenancies Act. In return, a landlord who pays for the electricity may recover the extra hydro cost through a seasonal rent increase, within strict limits.
Where the landlord provides no air conditioning, a tenant may install a window or portable unit — if it's done safely and follows the RTA and local by-laws.
Before installing, the tenant should notify the landlord in writing and, where hydro is included, share energy-efficiency and expected-usage details.
If the landlord pays for electricity, the unit is installed on/after July 1 2026, and the lease doesn't already forbid it, a seasonal increase can be added.
The amount must reflect the actual added electricity cost — or a reasonable estimate. Arbitrary flat fees are not permitted.
If the tenant removes or stops using the A/C for the season, the charge should end. It can be reinstated when seasonal use resumes.
A landlord may inspect the installation after giving proper 24-hour notice of entry, to confirm it's safe and compliant.
LandlordEzy lets you add a seasonal air conditioning charge as its own line on the rent ledger. It flows into the tenant's balance, arrears and rent reporting automatically — and your tenant can request removal from their portal in one tap when the unit comes out.
As of July 1, 2026, tenants generally have the right to install a window or portable air conditioner where the landlord does not provide air conditioning, as long as they follow the Residential Tenancies Act requirements — including giving the landlord written notice, installing the unit safely, complying with applicable laws and by-laws, keeping it properly maintained, and not damaging the property.
Yes, in limited circumstances. A seasonal rent increase may be permitted where the landlord pays for the electricity, the tenant installs the air conditioner on or after July 1, 2026, and the tenancy agreement does not already prohibit an additional charge. The charge must reflect the actual additional electricity cost or a reasonable estimate.
The amount must reflect the real additional electricity cost of running the unit, or a reasonable estimate of it. Arbitrary flat fees are not permitted. The charge is meant to recover the extra hydro cost — not to act as a general rent top-up.
Yes. If the tenant removes the air conditioner or stops using it for the season, the seasonal increase should also end. It can be reinstated when seasonal use resumes. On LandlordEzy, a landlord can add the charge as a separate line on the rent ledger and remove it in one click when the unit comes out.
Yes. Before installing, tenants should notify the landlord in writing and, where electricity is included in the rent, provide available energy-efficiency and expected-usage information. The unit must be installed safely and comply with applicable laws and by-laws.
Yes. A landlord may inspect the installation after providing proper written notice of entry (24 hours), to confirm the unit was installed safely and complies with the rules.
Do not charge arbitrary flat air conditioner fees, do not prohibit compliant installations without legal grounds, and do not keep a seasonal charge running after the air conditioner is no longer in use. Base any charge on electricity cost and end it when the unit comes out.
This guide is a general summary and is not legal advice. Refer to the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 and Landlord and Tenant Board guidance for the governing requirements.