As of April 30, 2025, Toronto’s Property Standards Bylaw has been amended to tighten indoor comfort requirements for rental units. Landlords must now maintain a minimum indoor temperature of 21°C from October 1 through May 15, and, if air conditioning is provided, must operate it from June 1 through September 30. These changed heating and cooling periods reflect City Council’s efforts to protect tenant health during both cold snaps and summer heatwaves.

Why This Change Matters

Real estate professionals working with investor-clients, landlords, or buyers interested in income properties should be aware of the amendments for a few reasons.

Impacts on Investment Property Appeal

Agents advising buyers on rental properties need to factor in operational responsibilities and costs. The new bylaw mandates both minimum heating and mandatory cooling periods (if AC is present), which may require HVAC upgrades, ongoing maintenance, and regulatory compliance, affecting both ROI and budgeting.

Due Diligence and Disclosure

Buyers of rental properties should be informed of local requirements, including building code and bylaw compliance.

Marketing and Positioning

Listings for rental or income properties may benefit from highlighting compliant or recently upgraded HVAC systems.

Background of the Change

Historically, Toronto’s minimum-heat period ran from September 15 to June 1, with no mandatory cooling standard for equipped units. Growing concerns over tenant well-being, heightened by climate variability, prompted a review of Chapter 629 of the Municipal Code, culminating in the April 2025 amendments. Extended summertime heat events pose serious health risks, especially in multi-unit residential buildings with limited ventilation and green spaces.

Key Changes in the 2025 Bylaw

Minimum Heating Requirement

The required period to provide heating has been expanded. Landlords must provide heat from October 1 to May 15, an extension from the previous September 15 to June 1 window. Indoor air must register at least 21°C at all times during this period. If outdoor warmth naturally keeps units at or above 21°C, landlords may reduce or turn off heating, but must restore it if temperatures fall below the threshold.

Mandatory Air Conditioning Operation

A cooling period was specified; for units equipped with air conditioning, systems must run from June 1 to September 30 each year. Of note, landlords are not obligated to install AC, nor to maintain maximum indoor temperatures in units without cooling systems; however, if provided, the equipment must be in good working order and turned on within the specified window, to cool to a maximum of 26°C.

Compliance Requirements and Landlord Responsibilities

Landlords must ensure all heating and air-conditioning equipment is kept in good repair and maintained in good working condition. Complaints about inadequate or no heat and non-functioning AC are considered urgent requests, and landlords must respond within 24 hours. Repairs must be completed within a reasonable period.

Benefits of Partnering with a Property Management Company

Marco offers targeted support to real estate agents, ensuring their investment clients are fully prepared and positioned for Toronto’s updated heating and cooling bylaws, as well as their other obligations, while helping them attract and retain quality tenants.

Agents earn a straightforward 5% commission on gross rent with Marco-managed listings; we provide dedicated support for booking showings and submitting offers.

Marco’s team conducts property inspections, including HVAC readiness, to help confirm whether a property is likely to need upgrades to meet bylaw requirements.

After property handover, Marco provides agents with compliance documentation and status reports on HVAC inspections, emergency repairs, and tenant-request resolution, reinforcing agents’ reputations for thoroughness and reliability.