If you’re leasing out a residential unit, installing a temperature control system isn’t strictly mandatory–yet. There’s no provincial regulation forcing owners to provide mechanical cooling in private rentals. However, neglecting tenant comfort during extreme heat waves can still bring legal risks, especially under the health and safety clauses of Alberta’s housing standards.
While provincial law doesn’t demand active chill systems in standard units, municipal bylaws and case-specific situations–such as units that overheat due to poor insulation or lack of airflow–may complicate things. Tenant complaints about indoor heat levels exceeding 26°C have already led to investigations under local building maintenance codes. So, while not explicitly required, it’s something that can come back to you if ignored.
According to AHS guidelines, indoor temperatures above 28°C can be hazardous for vulnerable tenants, including seniors and people with chronic health conditions. If that sounds like your tenant profile, it might be wise to preemptively upgrade the system, even if legislation hasn’t caught up yet. The legal pressure is subtle–but it’s there, and it’s growing.
Landlords managing multi-unit buildings face a slightly different scenario. Some property classes, like assisted living or subsidized housing, fall under stricter expectations. Failing to provide cooling in those environments isn’t just inconvenient–it could be seen as neglect. So it’s worth reviewing your building type and tenant agreements carefully.
In short: while there’s no sweeping law forcing installations, local context and building-specific factors often tip the scale. And with summers trending hotter, relying on passive ventilation alone is becoming harder to justify–to tenants, to inspectors, or to your own peace of mind.
Legal Obligations for Providing Cooling Systems in Rental Units
There’s no legal duty in Alberta that forces property owners to install cooling systems in rental spaces. The legislation just doesn’t list it as a requirement, the way it does with heating or hot water. So if you’re wondering whether you’re breaking any rules by not offering a way to cool down the unit–you’re not. Not under current provincial law.
That said, things get a bit more complicated if the lease says otherwise. If you’ve included cooling equipment as part of the rental agreement–whether written or implied–you’re responsible for maintaining it. If the equipment breaks mid-July and the lease mentioned it as part of the unit, you’re on the hook for fixing it. Tenants could argue that failure to repair it counts as a breach of contract. That’s where trouble starts.
There’s also a grey zone with older buildings. Some units might not have any form of mechanical cooling but have windows that can be opened. Is that enough? Legally, yes. But realistically, it depends. Tenants might still file complaints with the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) if indoor temperatures become extreme, especially if they can argue it’s affecting their health.
While Alberta doesn’t follow Ontario’s example of regulating maximum indoor temperatures, extreme heat can be considered under the “fit for habitation” clause in the Residential Tenancies Act. So technically, if conditions get unbearable and you’re not offering any solution, it could end up before a tribunal.
Bottom line–no one’s forcing you to install anything. But if you’ve advertised it or included it in a lease, you’re legally tied to keeping it in working condition. And if a tenant complains loudly enough during a heatwave, you may still end up having to answer for it, even without clear laws saying you must.
When and How Tenants Can Request Air Conditioning Installation
If indoor temperatures regularly exceed 26°C during summer months, tenants have a reasonable case to request a cooling unit. Documenting this with a simple indoor thermometer and dated photos over several days can help. It’s not legally mandated, but it strengthens your position–especially if vulnerable individuals (like seniors or those with medical conditions) live in the unit.
Start by checking your lease. Some agreements outline whether upgrades like cooling equipment are allowed, shared costs, or explicitly denied. If the lease is silent on the issue, tenants can submit a written request to the property manager or owner. Keep it polite, short, and practical. Include your temperature records, any health-related concerns, and, if you’re willing, an offer to share installation or operational costs.
Timing matters. Late spring is best. Contractors get booked fast once temperatures spike, and decision-makers are more open to discussions before complaints start rolling in from multiple units. If you wait until July, you might just hear “we’ll consider it next year.”
If your unit is part of a multi-family complex, talk to neighbours. A group request carries more weight than a single voice. And if you’re in a condo, bring it to the board. They often control whether permanent installations are allowed on exterior walls or balconies.
Don’t push for central upgrades if the building clearly can’t support the infrastructure–older structures often can’t. A portable unit or split system might be the most realistic compromise. Keep expectations grounded, but persistent follow-up helps. Silence after one email? Follow up in a week. Nothing after that? Consider involving Alberta’s Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service if health concerns are being ignored outright.
Handling Air Conditioning Repairs and Maintenance in Tenancy Agreements
Assign responsibilities in writing before the lease begins. Don’t leave repair obligations open to interpretation. If the cooling system is considered part of the rental unit, the agreement should clearly state who arranges servicing, who pays for parts, and how quickly problems must be addressed. This avoids confusion when something stops working mid-July and everyone’s frustrated.
Tenants might expect prompt fixes, especially during heatwaves, but unless the lease specifies timeframes, there’s often no legal urgency. It’s better to agree upfront: for example, “repairs to be completed within 72 hours of written notice.” You could also include a clause allowing tenants to hire someone directly if you don’t respond within a reasonable window–and deduct the cost from rent. That might sound risky, but it often motivates both parties to act quickly.
Preventive upkeep should be scheduled, not just expected
If you’re covering maintenance, spell it out. Something like “seasonal servicing by a certified technician to be arranged by the property manager each spring” sets a clear routine. Don’t assume renters will clean filters or notice odd noises. Most won’t. And if they’re expected to handle that, make it explicit. Better yet, show them how at move-in–it takes five minutes and might prevent a breakdown later.
One more thing: if you allow window units or portable coolers, include basic care instructions in the lease. Who installs them, who stores them in winter, and what happens if a tenant breaks one? Without those details, you’re likely to face awkward disputes.
Document everything
Keep a copy of all service receipts, and when technicians leave, ask them to jot down the system’s general condition. If something fails six weeks later, that note could matter. And if a dispute ever escalates–hopefully it won’t–it helps to show that you stayed on top of upkeep.
Contact “Calgary Air Heating and Cooling Ltd” For More Information:
Address
95 Beaconsfield Rise NW, Calgary, AB T3K 1X3
Phone
+1 403 720-0003
Hours of operation
Open 24 hours 7 days a week