Kingston delays decision on rental unit temperature rules

Waiting for larger cities' guidance

Kingston city council has decided to wait for larger municipalities or the provincial government to determine if landlords should be responsible for keeping rental units cool. 

The council approved a motion to amend the property standards bylaw, which proposed setting a maximum temperature of 26°C in rental units with existing air conditioning, where leases require landlords to provide it.

The motion faced opposition from landlords, including Robert Melo of the Kingston Property Rental Association, who argued that the bylaw would increase costs for landlords to install air conditioning. 

Environmental and tenant advocacy groups supported the motion but some called for stronger measures.

The Canadian Environmental Law Association argued that Kingston could mandate a maximum temperature under the Municipal Act, while the city’s lawyer, Jenna Morley, cautioned that provincial legislation may not grant the city the authority to implement such a rule. The decision is now on hold pending further guidance from larger cities.