FAQs
What does the proposed Adequate and Suitable Cooling By-law regulate?
The proposed by-law sets a maximum indoor temperature of 26°C for rental units where air conditioning is already provided and paid for by the landlord.
It outlines when cooling must be maintained, who is responsible, and how the City enforces compliance.
How is indoor temperature measured?
Indoor temperature compliance is measured at 1.5 meters above the floor and 1 meter from exterior walls.
Does the proposed by-law require landlords to install air conditioning?
No. The proposed by-law only applies to units that already have air conditioning.
Landlords are not required to retrofit or install new systems.
What if the tenant controls the air conditioning?
If the tenant can regulate the temperature themselves and the landlord has enabled this, the proposed by-law does not apply.
What happens if a landlord doesn’t comply?
The City may inspect the unit and issue a Work Order requiring the landlord to take corrective action.
If the issue is not resolved, the City can complete the work and recover the costs by adding them to the property’s tax bill.
Fines may apply under the Provincial Offences Act, up to $5,000 for a first offence, and up to $10,000 per day for continuing offences (to a maximum of $100,000).
The City may also issue Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs) instead of going through the court system.
The AMP system is designed to be proactive and educational, focusing on compliance rather than punishment.