Welcome to the RentSafeTO Insider – an e-newsletter for apartment building owners and tenants. In this issue, you’ll find an update on the new bylaw requirements for colour-coded signs and indoor cooled amenity spaces. You’ll also find information on three service lines – including RentSafeTO – for the first time. We’re also highlighting key programs and seasonal reminders, including the City’s air conditioner assistance program, important fire safety steps, fireworks regulations, and guidelines maintaining grass and gardens.
New: RentSafeTO Colour Coded Sign Requirements Coming into Effect June 15, 2026
Toronto City Council has updated the Apartment Building Standards Bylaw to introduce colour-coded signs for RentSafeTO apartment buildings. Beginning June 15, 2026, all registered buildings must display City-issued green, yellow, or red signs that reflect their most recent building score.
This new sign system is designed to make building conditions more transparent and easier to understand. It provides clear, accessible information for tenants, owners and the public, helping everyone quickly see where a building is performing well and where improvements may be needed.
The signs are dynamic and will reflect a building’s most recent evaluation score, as well as any deductions based on ordes or notices issued against the property. Signs will be posted based on the thresholds listed below:
- Green (85 to 100 per cent): Satisfactory. The building meets most or all City maintenance standards and has few or no violations.
- Yellow (70 to 84 per cent): Needs improvement. The building meets some City maintenance standards and may have some violations.
- Red (0 to 69 per cent): Needs significant improvement. The building meets few City maintenance standards and may have several violations.
It is important to note that the colour rating does not mean a building is unsafe or closed. It indicates that property standard issues were found and need ot be addressed by the property owner.
Signage will be mailed to building owners, with delivery expected in early June. Colour-coded signs must be posted near the building’s main entrance. If a building’s colour changes, the owners/operators will be required to replace the sign within 14 calendar days of being notified. More information will be shared with building owners/operators on this new bylaw requirement in the coming weeks.
During the early rollout, the City will focus on education and support to help building owners comply with these new requirements. Further enforcement action may be taken if requirements are not met.
New: Cooled Indoor Amenity Space Requirements
Extreme heat is a growing health risk, especially for seniors, people with disabilities, children and other vulnerable tenants in apartment buildings.
The City’s bylaw requires landlords to maintain a minimum indoor temperature of 21C from October 1 to May 15. If a building provides air conditioning, it must be on and operational from June 1 to September 30 to keep indoor temperatures at 26C or below. In December 2025, City Council approved changes to the Heating Bylaw, renaming it the Indoor Temperature Bylaw and including the maximum temperature requirement.
Beginning June 1, 2026 the bylaw will also require RentSafeTO buildings that do not provide air conditioning in all rental units, to cool an existing indoor amenity space from June 1 to September 30 and maintain a temperature of not more than 26C. An indoor amenity space is a communal, accessible space available for use by tenants for recreational or social activities. Hallways, lobbies and laundry rooms are not considered amenity spaces. Building owners/operators must post the hours of operation for the cooled amenity space on the Tenant Notification Board and ensure that the capacity load of the amenity space is always maintained.
Please note that some building will be exempt from complying with the cooled indoor amenity space requirement if they do not have an accessible amenity space or must undergo construction to comply. Building owners/operators can expect more information on this new bylaw requirement in the coming weeks.
Cool Spaces Near Tenants
Building owners and operators are required to post the Summer Heat Safety Notice on the building’s tenant notification board. This should also include the location of the cooling room and/or the best closest publicly accessible air-conditioned space, including community centres, civic centres or malls. An interactive map is also available to help people find a cool space location near them: toronto.ca/KeepCool.
Registrations and Renewals
Upcoming renewal notices will be sent to building owners and operators by email in the coming weeks. Please ensure the primary contact information and email addresses are up to date on the RentSafeTO Online Portal. Visit RentSafeTO Registration and Renewal for further information.
Air Conditioner Assistance Program – Applications open April 7 to 21
The City is expanding its Air Conditioner Assistance Program to help more residents stay safe and cool this summer. This year, the City will provide at least 1,000 free portable air conditioners through a draw for eligible residents, including low-income seniors with health needs, pregnant individuals and families with infants living in apartment buildings without air conditioning. Learn more about eligibility and how to apply: toronto.ca/ACProgram.
10 Things Every Renter Should Know About Fire Safety
Taking a few key fire safety steps can help keep tenants, homes and neighbours safe:
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are lifelines. Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms every month and report any issues to management right away. Never disable them – those early seconds of warning can save lives.
- Know the way out. Make sure to have two ways out of units and keep all exits clear. Know the home escape plan and practice it regularly. Hallways and stairwells should always be clear – they are the path to safety.
- Look while cooking. Cooking requires attention. Stay in the kitchen while cooking and keep anything that can burn away from the stove. If stepping away, turn the heat off.
- Charge devices safely. Use approved chargers and charge lithium-ion batteries on a hard surface away from combustibles. Never charge e-bikes or batteries in hallways, exits or shared spaces.
- Know responsibilities. The landlord maintains alarms and building systems – tenants must test the alarms in their units, report problems or issues, keep exits clear, and use devices and appliances safely. Fire safety is a shared responsibility.
What are the top causes of home fires in Toronto?
- Cooking: Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires. Stay nearby and keep flammable items away from heat.
- Smoking Materials: Cigarettes that aren’t fully extinguished can ignite furniture or bedding. Always use a proper ashtray and never smoke in bed.
- Electrical Appliances: Overloaded outlets, damaged cords, or improper charging can lead to fires. Use devices as intended and unplug when not in use.
- Candles: Open flames can spread quickly if left unattended or placed too close to combustibles. Blow them out before leaving the room.
- Lithium-Ion Batteries: Devices like e-bikes, phones, and laptops can pose risks if damaged or improperly charged. Use approved chargers and charge safely.
Maintaining Grass and Gardens
The Turfgrass and Prohibited Plants Bylaw requires all property owners to maintain their properties and ensure that health and safety requirements are met.
Learn about the dos and don’ts for lawns and how to grow pollinator-friendly gardens.
- Cut the grass on lawns when the growth exceeds 20 centimeters.
- Keep properties free of prohibited plants listed in the bylaw that can pose a threat to human health or natural areas and keep sidewalks and driver and pedestrian views clear from plants.
- Consider replacing some of the turfgrass area with native flowering plants to create a much needed habitat for pollinators.
More information at toronto.ca/GrassAndGardens.
Fireworks rules, safety tips and proper disposal
With the summer long weekends approaching, here is a reminder about the rules around fireworks, including safety tips and proper disposal.
- Please remind tenants in apartment buildings that setting fireworks off from apartment balconies is extremely dangerous and prohibited. Please have a look at the poster on fireworks rules and safety tips.
- Fireworks are also not permitted in parks, on beaches, in streets, parking lots or any private property that is now owned by the individual setting off the fireworks.
More information is available at toronto.ca/Fireworks.
