Is My Landlord Required to Provide Heat?
As the temperature drops, so do the complaints. The short answer: heat is a "vital service" your landlord must maintain, and most cities set a legal minimum temperature. Here are the numbers for major Canadian cities and what to do if it's too cold.
Heat Is a Vital Service
Across Canada, heat is treated as a vital service. A landlord generally can't shut it off or let it fail — not even if you owe rent. Where the landlord supplies heat, they must keep the unit at or above the local minimum during the heating season. Cutting off heat to pressure a tenant is an illegal act that can amount to harassment or an illegal eviction.
Minimum Temperatures by City
Heat minimums are set by municipal bylaw, so the exact figure depends on your city:
| City / Jurisdiction | Minimum temperature | Heating period |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto | 21°C | Oct 1 – May 15 |
| Ottawa | 20°C day / 16.7°C overnight | year-round standard |
| Vancouver | 22°C | year-round standard |
| Ontario (provincial floor) | 20°C | Sep 1 – Jun 15 (heat is a vital service) |
Figures from municipal property-standards bylaws, reviewed October 2026. Other cities set their own minimums — check your local bylaw.
What to Do If It's Too Cold
- Measure and log it: record the indoor temperature with dates and times.
- Tell your landlord in writing and ask for a prompt fix.
- Call municipal bylaw / property standards if it isn't resolved — the city can order heat restored and fine the landlord.
- Apply to your tenancy board for an order and possible rent abatement for the cold period.