Mississauga’s renters feeling the heat as summer temperatures continue to rise

Another week of sizzling temperatures and high humidity means another week of unbearable living conditions for Paula Torres.

“Every time we get these exaggerated temperatures, it’s like murder,” Torres said, describing her cramped two-bedroom apartment located at the corner of Hurontario and King streets in Mississauga.

Torres keeps her balcony door open most of the day in her two-bedroom apartment, which she shares with her 22-year-old son and 92-year-old mother.

“It’s difficult when there’s no breeze outside. But if we keep the balcony door closed, we would feel like we’re dying in here,” she said.

She has three fans going all hours of the day to circulate the air, but it’s still “unliveable” when temperatures soar above 30.

Hydro is not included in the price of Torres’ unit and installing an air conditioner in the only 14” by 19” window in her apartment is out of her price range.

“It’s a tough time,” reflected Torres, who works part-time as a graphic designer.

The province requires landlords to provide sufficient heat supply to renters from Sept. 1 to June 15 through the Residential Tenancies Act.

Temperatures must be maintained to at least 20 degrees Celsius.

But there are no cooling requirements during summer, which in Ontario, are becoming increasingly hot and humid.

“In regards to extreme heat events, it is important to remember that municipalities have the ability to undertake emergency measures to protect vulnerable populations,” said Conrad Spezowka, spokesperson for the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH).

Municipalities may issue heat warnings and make cooling centres available for residents until the heat event has passed, he said.

The City of Toronto is studying the possibility of mandating a maximum indoor temperature at Toronto’s rental buildings.

Mississauga’s municipal enforcement staff have never considered studying the matter.

Under the City’s property standards bylaws, landlords that provide air conditioning for renters must make sure they are in good working order.

But Torres, who has been looking for a new apartment in the Cooksville area for a decade, says hydro is not included in what little rental properties are left in the city.  

With cooling costs bumping summer hydro bills up as much as 60 per cent, according to Hydro One, the added expense for renters is not feasible.

“It’s painful, but what can we do?” asked Torres.

Spezowka said landlords are responsible for providing and maintaining rental units fit for habitation.

If a tenant believes that the lack of cooling causes his/her rental unit to be unfit for habitation, the tenant can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board, he said.

Torres says she’s already tried that, but because she couldn’t provide medical documentation to explain how it was affecting her, she was unsuccessful.

Originally from Panama, Torres described the situation as similar to “living in the third world.”

Temperatures are expected to range from 26 degrees to 31, with high humidex warnings for the next two weeks.