The City of London is reviewing a new bylaw about air conditioning (AC) in rental homes. This bylaw would set limits on indoor temperatures in rental units already equipped with air conditioning, where operating costs are covered by the landlord.
Here’s what the proposed bylaw says:
If air conditioning is provided and covered by the landlord, the indoor temperature must be kept at or below 26°C
It only applies from May to October.
- Landlords do not have to install new air conditioning systems. It only applies where AC is already provided.
Exceptions include:
- Units never equipped with AC at the start of the tenancy.
- Written agreements where the landlord is not responsible for AC operation and costs.
- Units where tenants can control the temperature themselves.
Where are we in the review?
On September 29, 2025, staff will present the proposed Adequate and Suitable Cooling by-law at the Community and Protective Services Committee meeting for public input and council consideration.
Pending feedback and committee direction, a finalized By-law will be drafted for Council approval.
We want to hear from you!
Take the survey and have your say ahead of the September 29 Community and Protective Services Committee. Please submit feedback by September 19 at noon.
Proposed Cooling By-law Summary Chart
Applicability | - Applies to rental units where air conditioning is already provided and paid for by the landlord
- Does not apply to new construction or units never equipped with AC
|
Temperature Standard | - Indoor temperature must not exceed 26°C
- Measured 1.5m above the floor and 1m from exterior walls
|
Seasonal Scope | - Applies from May to October
- Does not apply November to April
|
Exemptions | - Unit was not equipped with AC at the start of tenancy and remains so
- Written agreement between landlord and tenant excludes AC provision
- Tenant can regulate temperature themselves, and landlord has enabled this
|
Enforcement | - City of London may inspect units
- Work Orders may be issued for non-compliance
- City of London may complete the work and recover costs through property taxes
- Administrative Monetary Penalties may be issued
|
Penalties | - Violations may result in fines under the Provincial Offences Act
- Fines up to $5,000 for the first offence
- Up to $10,000 for subsequent offences
- Up to $10,000/day for continuing offences (capped at $100,000)
- Administrative Monetary Penalties may be issued instead of court proceedings
|
Civic Administration has developed a DRAFT Adequate and Suitable Cooling by-Law Report to address indoor temperature standards in rental housing where the landlord provides air conditioning.
The DRAFT was informed by:
- A review of provincial legislation, which does not define cooling as a vital service.
- Public health guidance from the Middlesex-London Health Unit.
- Climate risk research highlighting the impact of extreme heat on vulnerable populations.
A Tenant Information Package was created to explain the proposed by-law in plain language, including enforcement mechanisms and tenant rights.
Civic Administration is preparing for a future Public Participation Meeting to gather feedback from residents, advocacy groups, and interested parties.
Following public input, staff will report back to the Community and Protective Services Committee with a finalized version of the report and proposed by-law incorporating the public feedback and recommendations for implementation.
Public Participation Meeting
The September 29 meeting includes a public participation component, meaning you can speak directly to City Council’s Community and Protective Services Committee, either in person at City Hall, or by Zoom.
How to join the public participation meeting (PPM)
To address the Community and Protective Services Committee on September 29, pre-register by contacting the City Clerk's Office no later than 9 a.m. on September 29. You can reach City Clerk's by phone at 519-661-2489 ext. 7100 or by emailing PPMClerks@london.ca. You can also submit email comments to the City Clerk’s Office in advance to have them included in the Civic Works Committee agenda.
For detailed information on the PPM process, visit the City of London website at this link.
The Committee meeting will also be available to livestream on the City of London’s YouTube channel.
The City of London is reviewing a new bylaw about air conditioning (AC) in rental homes. This bylaw would set limits on indoor temperatures in rental units already equipped with air conditioning, where operating costs are covered by the landlord.
Here’s what the proposed bylaw says:
If air conditioning is provided and covered by the landlord, the indoor temperature must be kept at or below 26°C
It only applies from May to October.
- Landlords do not have to install new air conditioning systems. It only applies where AC is already provided.
Exceptions include:
- Units never equipped with AC at the start of the tenancy.
- Written agreements where the landlord is not responsible for AC operation and costs.
- Units where tenants can control the temperature themselves.
Where are we in the review?
On September 29, 2025, staff will present the proposed Adequate and Suitable Cooling by-law at the Community and Protective Services Committee meeting for public input and council consideration.
Pending feedback and committee direction, a finalized By-law will be drafted for Council approval.
We want to hear from you!
Take the survey and have your say ahead of the September 29 Community and Protective Services Committee. Please submit feedback by September 19 at noon.
Proposed Cooling By-law Summary Chart
Applicability | - Applies to rental units where air conditioning is already provided and paid for by the landlord
- Does not apply to new construction or units never equipped with AC
|
Temperature Standard | - Indoor temperature must not exceed 26°C
- Measured 1.5m above the floor and 1m from exterior walls
|
Seasonal Scope | - Applies from May to October
- Does not apply November to April
|
Exemptions | - Unit was not equipped with AC at the start of tenancy and remains so
- Written agreement between landlord and tenant excludes AC provision
- Tenant can regulate temperature themselves, and landlord has enabled this
|
Enforcement | - City of London may inspect units
- Work Orders may be issued for non-compliance
- City of London may complete the work and recover costs through property taxes
- Administrative Monetary Penalties may be issued
|
Penalties | - Violations may result in fines under the Provincial Offences Act
- Fines up to $5,000 for the first offence
- Up to $10,000 for subsequent offences
- Up to $10,000/day for continuing offences (capped at $100,000)
- Administrative Monetary Penalties may be issued instead of court proceedings
|
Civic Administration has developed a DRAFT Adequate and Suitable Cooling by-Law Report to address indoor temperature standards in rental housing where the landlord provides air conditioning.
The DRAFT was informed by:
- A review of provincial legislation, which does not define cooling as a vital service.
- Public health guidance from the Middlesex-London Health Unit.
- Climate risk research highlighting the impact of extreme heat on vulnerable populations.
A Tenant Information Package was created to explain the proposed by-law in plain language, including enforcement mechanisms and tenant rights.
Civic Administration is preparing for a future Public Participation Meeting to gather feedback from residents, advocacy groups, and interested parties.
Following public input, staff will report back to the Community and Protective Services Committee with a finalized version of the report and proposed by-law incorporating the public feedback and recommendations for implementation.
Public Participation Meeting
The September 29 meeting includes a public participation component, meaning you can speak directly to City Council’s Community and Protective Services Committee, either in person at City Hall, or by Zoom.
How to join the public participation meeting (PPM)
To address the Community and Protective Services Committee on September 29, pre-register by contacting the City Clerk's Office no later than 9 a.m. on September 29. You can reach City Clerk's by phone at 519-661-2489 ext. 7100 or by emailing PPMClerks@london.ca. You can also submit email comments to the City Clerk’s Office in advance to have them included in the Civic Works Committee agenda.
For detailed information on the PPM process, visit the City of London website at this link.
The Committee meeting will also be available to livestream on the City of London’s YouTube channel.
