04/25/2026
Bill 97, the Helping Homebuyers, Protecting Tenants Act, 2023, received Royal Assent on June 8, 2023. Schedule 7 of this bill includes amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA). Order in Council 617/2026 prescribes the coming‑into‑force dates for specified RTA amendments as follows:
I. Amendments in Force on July 1, 2026
**Air Conditioning — New s. 36.1 RTA
A tenant may install and use a window or portable air conditioner in a rental unit where the landlord does not supply air conditioning, unless the landlord prohibits the installation under subsection 36.1(2), and subject to the conditions set out in subsection 36.1(3).
**Technical Amendment — s. 72 RTA
The phrase “on or after the day section 13 of the Rental Fairness Act, 2017 comes into force” is struck out from section 72.
**Board‑Approved Form for Written Agreements — s. 206 RTA
A written agreement resolving the subject‑matter of an application must be in the form approved by the Board.
**Increased Maximum Fine for Individuals — s. 238 RTA
A person, other than a corporation, who is guilty of an offence under the Act is liable on conviction to a fine of not more than $100,000 (increased from $50,000).
**Regulation‑Making Authority re: Air Conditioners — s. 241 RTA
The Board may make regulations governing the installation, use, and maintenance of window or portable air conditioners, including prescribing circumstances and additional conditions for these purposes.
II. Amendments in Force on September 21, 2026
**Landlord’s Obligation to Notify Tenant After Renovation — s. 53 RTA
Where a landlord has given a Notice of Termination (N13) for repairs or renovations requiring vacancy, and the tenant has exercised a right of first refusal to re‑occupy the rental unit at the same rent, the landlord shall notify the tenant in writing, without delay, once the rental unit is ready for occupancy.
**Limitation Period for Former Tenant’s Application — s. 57.1 RTA
A former tenant may apply if the landlord fails to honor the right of first refusal.
The application must be made by the latter of:
-The second anniversary of the day the former tenant vacated the rental unit; or
-Six months after the day the repairs or renovations are completed.
chapter 10 An Act to amend various statutes with respect to housing and development Assented to June 8, 2023 CONTENTS 1. Contents of this...