Window mounted air conditioners and an exhaust hose from a portable unit are seen in apartment windows, in Burnaby, B. C., on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Environment Canada has issued an orange heat warning for Barrie, Collingwood and Hillsdale, with daytime temperatures expected to reach between 31 and 33 degrees, possibly soaring up to 36. The hottest days are anticipated to be Wednesday and Thursday, coinciding perfectly with a new Ontario law that allows renters to install their own air conditioning.
This timing isn’t just by chance; it reflects the changes in regulations. It could be considered bad luck or good luck depending on whether your apartment has central air conditioning.
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What the new AC rule actually does
A part of a 2023 Ontario law takes effect July 1. It permits tenants to install and use a window air conditioner or portable unit if their landlord hasn’t provided one already, subject to certain conditions. Previously, many leases left this issue unclear. Landlords could deny requests based on building rules or concerns about electricity usage or appearance. The new regulation gives tenants stronger legal rights to cool their units when landlords haven’t taken action. This change is among several tenant-related updates effective on Canada Day. Some advocates believe other adjustments to landlord-tenant regulations starting that day make evictions easier and shift the balance further away from renters while this AC provision goes in the opposite direction.Why the heat makes this more than a paperwork update
Minimum overnight temperatures are forecasted to hover between 21 and 24 degrees, offering little relief once night falls. Environment Canada warns that hot and humid conditions could also push air quality into high-risk levels. For renters lacking central air conditioning, that combination-heat persisting overnight combined with worsening air quality-is exactly what the new regulation aims to address. Installing a window unit this week could be crucial for health as well as comfort.Other changes taking effect July 1
The AC rule isn’t the only adjustment coming on Canada Day; there’s a broader set of provincial regulations kicking in: The age for publicly funded colorectal cancer screening drops from 50 to 45. Pharmacists can now assess and treat more minor ailments and administer additional publicly funded vaccines. Drivers can opt out of some auto insurance accident benefits to reduce their premiums; however experts caution that short-term savings might lead to significant costs after serious accidents. New residents in Ontario from regions without a license exchange agreement must complete a G2 road test before waiting at least one year before trying for their full G license. The Ministry of Finance will have authority over liens, garnishments and property seizures for collecting unpaid bail debts. Some special constables working in transit can now arrest individuals using drugs on public transport. Registered sex offenders cannot legally change their names.The bottom line for Barrie renters
If your apartment lacks air conditioning and your landlord has been unwilling to let you install your own unit, things have just changed in your favor legally. With an extended heat wave starting this week and peak temperatures expected Wednesday and Thursday, many local renters might find themselves utilizing this provision sooner rather than later. What do you think of this article?Source link
