New York City has enacted a new law that will require landlords to provide air conditioning to tenants who request it. According to Gothamist, the law takes effect this week, though the city’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development will not begin enforcing the requirement until the summer of 2030.
Councilmember Lincoln Restler, who sponsored the legislation, stated that the measure aims to address public health concerns. He referenced data showing that nearly 600 New Yorkers die each year from extreme heat, with many lacking access to home cooling. Restler told Gothamist that a common factor in these deaths is the absence of cooling in residences.
Landlords will not be required to cover all associated costs, as certain expenses, including electricity, may be passed on to tenants. Brick Underground reports that while landlords are responsible for installing and maintaining air conditioning units, renters will continue to pay for electricity. The policy also applies to rent-stabilized apartments and may result in a permanent rent increase.
Some building owners have raised concerns about the new law. Ann Korchak, board president of Small Property Owners of New York, told Brick Underground that installing efficient cooling systems in older buildings, which are often poorly insulated, may be challenging. She also pointed to potential issues such as increased strain on the electrical grid and higher electricity costs for tenants, which could add to existing pressures on utility customers.
Tenants will be able to request air conditioning starting March 1, 2028, although enforcement of the law will not begin until 2030. Landlords who do not comply could face fines of up to $1,250 per day. The city is preparing for a phased rollout to implement cooling solutions for residents as temperatures increase each year.
