Toronto city council has voted to delay the implementation of a maximum temperature bylaw for rental units by at least one year, leaving the city's most vulnerable residents to swelter through another summer without guaranteed cooling. The decision, made on July 14, 2026, postpones the bylaw that would have required landlords to maintain indoor temperatures at or below 26 degrees Celsius during summer months.
Council did approve a measure allowing tenants to install air conditioning units without landlord permission, but advocates say this does little to help those who cannot afford the devices or the electricity to run them. The delay means the bylaw will not take effect until at least 2027, pending further review.
According to city data, extreme heat events are becoming more frequent in Toronto, with heat-related illnesses disproportionately affecting low-income residents and seniors in poorly ventilated apartments. The decision has drawn criticism from tenant advocacy groups, who argue that the delay puts lives at risk.
Landlord associations had opposed the bylaw, citing costs and infrastructure challenges. The city plans to consult with stakeholders before bringing the bylaw back for a final vote.
