I recently had the opportunity to speak with and be interviewed by CBC News Reporter Aloysius Wong about the issue of air conditioning in apartments. The article, titled “Can’t afford or not allowed AC in your apartment? You’re not alone,” discusses the challenges that tenants face in securing adequate cooling.
During our conversation and interview, we discussed many aspects of the problem, including who is responsible for the upkeep, the extra cost of electricity and installation, and the barriers that tenants face in securing air conditioning.
I emphasized the importance of open communication between tenants and landlords to address this issue and stated that this has been my approach for the past 23 years. In the article, I was quoted as saying, “Open communication is the way to go with this. That’s what I’ve been able to do for 23 years.” This is my opinion, and I have found that open communication can often resolve most issues. If both sides listen and talk to each other and let each other know how they feel, it will always be my opinion and option when resolving issues with tenants.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/investigates/acorn-extreme-indoor-heat-tenant-survey-1.6983461
For your information in Ontario, we have guidelines.
Here are the guidelines from the Ontario RTA and LTB:
The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) and the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) in Ontario provide guidance on the temperature of the dwelling in Ontario with regard to the temperature of the air conditioning in the summer and the temperature of the heat in the winter. Here are some key points: The RTA requires landlords to provide heat to a minimum air temperature of 21 degrees Celsius from September 15 to June 1
The landlord is free to turn on the heat earlier than September 15, but the building cannot go below 21 degrees Celsius The RTA does not require landlords to provide air conditioning Tenants can install window or portable air conditioning units at their own cost, as long as they meet certain requirements.
The LTB provides guidance on tenants’ rights and responsibilities, including the right to a livable indoor temperature If a tenant has concerns about the temperature of their dwelling, they can contact the LTB for guidance and support.
In summary, the RTA and LTB provide guidance on the temperature of the dwelling in Ontario with regard to the temperature of the air conditioning in the summer and the temperature of the heat in the winter.
Landlords are required to provide heat to a minimum air temperature of 21 degrees Celsius from September 15 to June 1, but are not required to provide air conditioning. Tenants can install window or portable air conditioning units at their own cost, as long as they meet certain requirements. The LTB provides guidance and support for tenants who have concerns about the temperature of their dwelling.
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