Multiple cities consider air conditioning mandates

In the wake of extreme heat waves over much of North America, several cities are considering air conditioning mandates in residential buildings.

A proposed bill in New York City would require landlords to install and maintain air conditioning units in rental units. According to this measure, from mid-June to mid-September, temperatures inside units must stay below 78 degrees Fahrenheit when temperatures outdoors exceed 81 degrees. Landlords would get four years to make necessary upgrades or face fines.

Los Angeles county officials approved a motion that would establish a “safe maximum temperature threshold” for residential rental units and require them to be “cooling ready” so that tenants can install their own systems. Similar provisions are already in effect in areas of the U.S. with hotter climates.

With the hotter climate, even some Canadian cities are taking on the issue. The Hamilton, Ontario, city council may become first in Canada to mandate a cap on temperatures inside rentals. Advocacy groups from Toronto and Calgary have called for city bylaws that would require landlords to cool properties.