Heating (Minimum temperatures)

A landlord is responsible for providing heat to a residential dwelling at a minimum of 21 degrees Celsius between September 15 and June 1 of each year. There are time periods during this stretch of time when the weather can be a bit warmer (September 15 to October 15 and May to June 1), which can cause the temperature indoors to be above 21 degrees Celsius, resulting in uncomfortable living conditions for tenants.

If the weather outside means that apartment units are 21 degrees Celsius without heat, property owners and landlords can turn the heat down or off.

If the heating/ventilation system is out of service and currently being repaired/maintained, this is NOT a violation, and no investigation is required.

If you have concerns about the heating or cooling in your rental unit, you should inform the superintendent, the property manager, and/or the proper owner in writing.

Note:

• If the issue is not addressed within a reasonable amount of time, you can submit a service request online at https://www.toronto.ca/311 to file a complaint. A service request will be submitted for investigation by Municipal Licensing & Standards
• The Heating By-law does not apply to common areas (hallways, stairwells, building entrances, etc). The By-law only applies to the dwelling unit. If there is heating equipment in common areas, so long as the equipment is in good working order (Property Standards By-law requirement), there is no minimum temperature that applies to these areas.

Complaints about no/low heat for commercial properties should be referred to the Ministry of Labour under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Bylaw information

Chapter 629 - 38 Heating and air conditioning (full details are available on the City of Toronto website: http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/municode/1184_629.pdf )

A. Every heating and air-conditioning system or unit shall be kept in good repair and maintained in good working condition at all times relevant to the operation of that system.

H. The devices provided under Subsection G shall be configured so as not to cause damage to the walls or foundations or other parts of a building.

Condominiums

If the condo unit is owner occupied Municipal Licensing & Standards (ML&S) will NOT investigate a complaint about the condition of that unit.

If you are a tenant in a condo unit, contact the condo unit owner. If the situation is not resolved within a reasonable period of time you can submit a service request online at https://www.toronto.ca/311

If you are a condominium unit owner and the entire condo building has no heat,  ML&S will not investigate, contact your condo board and/or property manager.

Note: Measuring temperature to investigate adequate heat in an apartment should be measured in the middle of the room, 1.5 metres (5 feet) above floor level.