1. Understand the rules to install your air conditioner

If your landlord does not provide air conditioning, you can install your own window air conditioning or portable unit.

But there are certain legal rules that you must follow:

Starting July 1, 2026, you must tell your landlord in writing before you install the air conditioner.
If your landlord provides electricity, you must show your landlord:
- your air conditioner's available energy efficiency information, and
- your intended usage. For example, the of time that you intend to use the air conditioner.

The following rules also apply to all window or portable air conditioners installed by tenants, including those installed before July 1, 2026:

You must tell your landlord in writing when your air conditioner is removed or no longer in use.
Your air conditioner must be installed safely and securely.
You must make sure that your air conditioner does not damage the rental unit or residential complex.
Your air conditioner must follow all the local property standards and other laws. You should find out if there’s a ban on certain types of air conditioners in your town or city, your building, and other laws. For example, condominiums may have rules that ban certain air conditioners.

Inspection

Your landlord can enter your rental unit to see if your air conditioner:

is causing damage to the rental unit or the residential complex
is installed safely and securely
complies with municipal property standards by-law or other laws, if any

Your landlord must give you a written at least 24 hours before the inspection.

Your landlord might say your air conditioner is not installed safely. If your air conditioner is not secure, it could cause damage or even fall out, which could seriously hurt or kill someone.

There are ways to assure your landlord that your air conditioner is properly installed. For example, you could hire a professional contractor to install it or allow the landlord to inspect it again to make sure the job is done properly.