Cooling isn’t mandatory under Alberta’s Minimum Housing and Health Standards. If the unit has windows that open or another method to keep the temperature manageable–like proper ventilation–that’s generally considered acceptable. Still, during July and August, when temperatures often stay above 25°C for days at a time, tenants may reasonably expect some relief. So while you’re not legally required to install a cooling unit, ignoring comfort can lead to disputes or even early lease terminations.

Tenants can file a complaint with Alberta Health Services if they believe the living space is too hot and no action has been taken. It doesn’t mean you’ll get fined, but inspectors might suggest installing a unit, particularly if the heat is trapping moisture or causing mold. That kind of thing escalates quickly. It’s not about luxury–excess heat can compromise safety, especially for seniors or those with chronic conditions.

Now, say you decide to install something–portable units, window-mounted, or a ducted system. You’ll want to check the property’s zoning and any condo board restrictions. Not all types are allowed in multi-family buildings, and some setups require electrical upgrades. We’ve seen landlords order units without realizing they need permits for certain installations. The cost of doing it twice isn’t fun. If the unit hums too loudly or drips water outside, that’s a whole other complaint waiting to happen.

There’s also the question of who pays. Adding a cooling system might justify a small rent increase, but that has to follow Alberta’s Residential Tenancies Act. Annual caps apply, and you can’t retroactively pass costs onto current renters. Some landlords try to split usage through sub-meters, but that adds complexity. In the end, comfort is negotiable, but compliance isn’t. You don’t have to install it–but if you do, do it right.

Is Air Conditioning Legally Required in Calgary Rental Properties?

No, you’re not legally obligated to provide a cooling system in rental units across Alberta. The Public Health Act doesn’t list mechanical cooling as mandatory. What matters is whether the temperature inside remains reasonably safe and livable, especially during extended warm periods. If a place gets too hot to sleep or function, that’s where things get complicated–not because there’s a specific law against it, but because tenants can raise health complaints.

According to Alberta Health Services, there’s no exact indoor temperature limit set by regulation. Still, anything consistently above 26°C during the summer months can lead to heat stress, especially in older buildings with poor insulation. Inspectors don’t issue tickets on the spot, but they might recommend adding fans or other cooling systems if ventilation alone isn’t enough. You won’t face penalties automatically, but failing to respond can turn into a longer process, with formal letters and, eventually, orders to make changes.

It’s also worth knowing that tenant expectations have shifted. Many renters assume mechanical cooling is standard, especially in newer buildings. You might not be breaking the law without it, but you could lose out on tenants or face more complaints if the space overheats. One property owner told us a unit sat empty all August just because the windows barely opened. That’s not enforceable through legislation–but it definitely costs something.

So, legal? No. Expected? Increasingly, yes–especially during those back-to-back 30°C days we’ve been seeing more of each year. If you don’t plan to install anything, be ready to explain how the unit stays cool and make sure it actually does. Otherwise, complaints aren’t far behind.

How Landlords Should Address Tenant Complaints About Cooling During Heatwaves

Respond within 24 hours. Don’t wait. Even if there’s no legal breach, silence can escalate the issue. A quick reply–acknowledging the discomfort and offering short-term solutions–goes a long way. Tenants are more patient when they feel heard. And during a heatwave, they’re probably already sleep-deprived and irritable.

If the building doesn’t have built-in temperature control, there are still steps you can take that show reasonable effort:

• Offer to install ceiling fans or portable cooling units on your dime. They’re not permanent, so you won’t need permits, and it’s usually cheaper than losing a tenant mid-lease.
• Check that all windows open and screens are intact. Blocked airflow adds to the problem. If they’re painted shut or broken, it’s on you to fix them, quickly.
• Close blinds or provide blackout curtains. Light control matters more than people think–sunlight through large south-facing windows can raise indoor temps by 2–3°C in the afternoon alone.
• Offer temporary rent relief if nothing else works. It’s not required, no, but in a tight rental market, it can prevent legal complaints or bad reviews. Think of it as damage control, not generosity.

Document everything. Even informal solutions–like lending a fan–should go into an email. If someone contacts Alberta Health Services, you’ll want a paper trail showing that you responded and took action, even if the building doesn’t have mechanical cooling installed.

One manager I spoke to last summer said they started keeping a few extra portable units in storage. Not the cheapest kind either–quiet ones, Energy Star rated. As soon as the forecast hits 29°C, they offer them to tenants who ask. Since doing that, complaints dropped by half. Not legally required, no, but it saved them a lot of hassle.

Permits and Bylaws to Consider Before Installing Air Conditioning in Calgary Rentals

Before adding any cooling equipment to a rental unit, check with the City’s Planning and Development department. Most permanent systems–central or split–require a mechanical permit. That applies whether you’re replacing something old or starting fresh. Portable units don’t usually need approval, but once you start altering electrical or structural components, the rules change quickly.

Mechanical Permits and Noise Limits

Contractors installing wall-mounted or ducted systems must hold a valid City of Calgary business licence and be eligible to pull permits. If they suggest skipping the paperwork, walk away. Fines for unpermitted work aren’t just theoretical–bylaw officers have issued penalties for unauthorized rooftop condensers or systems that exceed the city’s decibel thresholds.

In residential zones, outdoor equipment must stay within 65 dB measured at the property line during the day, and 50 dB at night. If the model you’re using hums louder than that–especially in multi-unit buildings–it can trigger noise complaints under the Community Standards Bylaw. You may be asked to remove it, even if it was just installed.

Property Type and Structural Limits

Not all buildings qualify for the same installation methods. In older homes, attic access might be limited. In low-rise or high-rise developments, condo boards often restrict external modifications entirely. It’s common for them to ban any equipment visible from the street or mounted to the façade. One client had to reverse a full mini-split install because the building didn’t approve the external lineset location. Thousands wasted.

If you’re dealing with attached housing–duplexes, row homes–you may also need to confirm the location of property lines. A unit placed too close to a neighbouring wall could breach setback rules under the Land Use Bylaw. It’s not just a technicality. A single complaint can force a full relocation.

Before signing off on anything, ask the installer to provide a detailed site plan and confirmation that the chosen model meets local requirements–not just performance specs. It’s a step people skip, often because they trust the supplier. But after the fact, no one wants to argue about whose fault it was.

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

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