Something gone wrong?
Can my landlord stop me from using an AC in Ontario?
Since July 1, 2026, the answer in most cases is no. Ontario tenants can install a window or portable air conditioner even if your lease says no or the landlord objects — provided you meet the six conditions in the law. If those conditions are met, the landlord cannot refuse. These rules come from the Bills 60 and 97 amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act.
The short version
A window or portable AC is allowed even over a lease clause or a landlord’s objection, as long as you give written notice first and keep it safe. The one thing a landlord can sometimes do is add a seasonal charge — but only in a narrow set of circumstances, described below.
The six conditions
You may install a window or portable air conditioner even if the lease prohibits it or the landlord objects, as long as all six of these are true:
- 1You give the landlord written notice before installing it, saying which months you plan to use it.
- 2If the landlord pays for the electricity, you share energy-efficiency information about the air conditioner.
- 3It complies with municipal standards and any applicable laws or bylaws.
- 4It is installed safely and securely.
- 5It is kept properly maintained and in safe working order.
- 6It does not damage your unit or the residential complex.
You must also give written notice when the air conditioner is removed or is no longer being used. The landlord may inspect it, but has to give you at least 24 hours’ written notice first.
When a landlord can charge for it
A landlord can add a seasonal air-conditioning charge only if both of these are true: electricity is included in your rent, and your lease does not prohibit the air conditioner. Where a charge is allowed, it is tightly limited:
- •It is capped at the actual electricity cost of running the air conditioner, or a reasonable estimate based on the efficiency information you provided.
- •It applies only to the months the air conditioner is in use.
- •It must decrease by the same amount when the air conditioner is removed or is no longer used.
One exception
These air-conditioner rules do not apply to mobile home parks or land lease communities.
Common Questions
Can my landlord stop me from putting a window AC in my Ontario apartment?
As of July 1, 2026, no — not if you meet the conditions in the law. Ontario tenants can install a window or portable air conditioner even if the lease says no or the landlord objects, as long as all six conditions are met. If they are met, the landlord cannot refuse.
Do I have to tell my landlord before installing an air conditioner?
Yes. You must give the landlord written notice before you install it, and the notice has to say which months you plan to use it. You must also give written notice when the air conditioner is removed or is no longer being used.
Can my landlord charge me extra for using an air conditioner?
Only in a narrow case: a seasonal charge is allowed only if electricity is included in your rent and your lease does not prohibit the air conditioner. Even then, it is capped at the actual electricity cost of the unit (or a reasonable estimate based on your efficiency information), applies only to the months it is in use, and must decrease by the same amount when the air conditioner is removed or no longer used.
Can my landlord come in to inspect the air conditioner?
Yes. The landlord can inspect the air conditioner but must give you at least 24 hours’ written notice first.
Do these rules apply to a mobile home park or land lease community?
No. These air-conditioner rules do not apply to mobile home parks or land lease communities.
Official sources
Where to go from here
Guidepost is not a law firm, and this is general information, not legal advice. These rules are specific to Ontario and took effect July 1, 2026 — for your situation or the latest wording, contact the Landlord and Tenant Board. Full disclaimer. Last updated: July 2026.