Heating
Requires landlords and building owners to provide adequate heat to occupied rooms during the heating season, maintaining a minimum indoor temperature.
This chapter is relatively focused. The key practical requirements are summarized below in plain English.
Plain-English Overview
Chapter 497 protects tenants by requiring landlords to keep rental units adequately heated during the heating season. It sets a minimum indoor temperature and a defined season. (It also prohibits burning used motor oil in space heaters.)
Who it applies to: Residential building owners and landlords providing rental accommodation.
Key Requirements
Maintain at least 21°C during the heating season
Chapter 497, § 497-1.2 (Minimum temperature)A landlord must ensure a minimum air temperature of 21°C is maintained in all areas of a dwelling unit from October 1 to May 15, where the unit is normally heated at the landlord's expense. (If the unit is already at 21°C, the landlord doesn't have to run the heat.)
Compliance looks like
A rental kept at 21°C or warmer throughout the winter.
May be a concern
A landlord-heated unit sitting at 17°C in January with no working heat.
Don't burn used motor oil in space heaters
Chapter 497, § 497-2.2No one may burn used motor oil within a space heater.
Compliance looks like
Using approved heating fuel only.
May be a concern
Running a space heater on waste motor oil.
Practical Compliance Guide
- 1
Tenants: document the temperature
If your landlord-heated unit is too cold during the heating season, take dated photos of a thermometer reading in the affected rooms.
- 2
Tell your landlord in writing
Report the problem to your landlord and keep a record of when you asked for the heat to be fixed.
- 3
Contact 311 if it isn't resolved
If the unit stays below 21°C during the season, you can submit a service request to the City.
Common Questions
What's the minimum temperature my landlord must keep my unit at?
Generally 21°C, maintained in all areas of the unit from October 1 to May 15, where the unit is normally heated at the landlord's expense.
Reference: § 497-1.2
Photograph a dated thermometer reading and notify your landlord.
My apartment is cold in winter — who do I contact?
Tell your landlord first and keep a record. If it isn't fixed during the heating season, contact Toronto 311.
Submit a 311 request with your unit address and dated temperature evidence.
When does Toronto's heating season run?
Under the current chapter, the minimum-temperature requirement applies from October 1 to May 15.
Reference: § 497-1.2
Confirm the current dates in the official Chapter 497, as they can be amended.
What This Chapter Generally Covers
- Minimum indoor temperature requirements
- The defined heating season
- Landlord and building owner responsibilities
- Habitable rooms that must be heated
Common Examples
- Indoor temperature below the minimum during the heating season
- Landlord not repairing a broken furnace or boiler
- Heat repeatedly turned off overnight
Related Topics
This page summarizes Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 497, Heating in plain language for general reference only — it is not legal advice. Always confirm the exact requirement, wording, and any exemptions in the official chapter or with the City of Toronto. Season dates and temperatures can change by amendment — confirm the current values in the official chapter.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-14
Information on this page is summarized for general reference only and is not legal advice. Always confirm the official requirement using the City of Toronto Municipal Code or other official City sources.