It may be hot outside, with temperatures hovering around 30 C — not including the Humidex, but it could get even more heated between tenants and landlords than it is in the sun.
The city's bylaws on heat and air conditioning for residential properties are more date-driven than temperature-driven.
In fact, P Riddy tweeted 311 Toronto, asking if anything could be done about a sweltering residence, populated with seniors.
And 311 replied, “Air Conditioning should go on, if provided/supplied by the property owner, from June 2nd to Sept. 14th to maintain an indoor temperature of not more than 26 Celsius. Municipal Licensing & Standards is unable to take any action outside of these dates.”
The mayor has spoken to this situation as well.
“I urge all landlords to protect their tenants from extreme indoor temperatures by switching off the heat and turning the air conditioning on where possible,” said John Tory in a statement on Thursday.
Currently, city bylaw directs landlords to maintain a temperature of at least 21 C in apartment units between September 15 and June 1. The bylaw does not indicate a maximum heat.
According to the city, a motion moved by Coun. Matlow last month, and unanimously adopted by Council, directs the executive director of Municipal Licensing and Standards, in consultation with the Medical Officer of Health, to create Heat Alert Days. On those days landlords would be permitted to turn off heat and, turn on air conditioning in accordance with the existing heat alert system.
Of note, Toronto Public Health issued a news release with tips to stay cool and has also provided a list of air-conditioned public spaces.
