Cool Bill

As temps rise AC has become a lifesaver

Each year, an average estimated 350 New Yorkers die from a heat-related death. Lack of at-home air conditioning (AC) is the biggest risk factor for heat-stress deaths.

NYC Council Member Lincoln Restler worked for nine months on a bill (Int 0994-2024) to save tenants from New York City’s summer heat.

“Last week, we introduced major new climate legislation requiring landlords to supply air conditioning in every unit – just like they’re required to supply heat – so that tenants are safe in their homes,” said Restler in a newsletter. “The climate crisis is here. It’s already the hottest year on record in New York City and our summers are only getting hotter.”

The bill will require residential building owners to ensure that their tenants can keep cool during the summer months. Between June 15 and September 15, unit temperatures must reach no higher than 78 degrees when it is 82 degrees or warmer outside.

If the legislation is enacted, building owners must send a detailed plan within two years explaining how they will comply with the law. They will also need to install cooling systems and include a notice of cooling requirements in their leases.

If they do not meet their responsibilities under the new bill within four years, they will face civil penalties. However, owners may file for an extension of time if they are facing undue hardship. The city will be responsible for reaching out to tenants and owners to educate them about this bill.

“This legislation makes clear our city’s responsibility to keep tenants safe in their homes as heat waves become increasingly severe and all the more frequent,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, who co-sponsored the bill, in an X post. 

Free air conditioning units are already being offered to residents who meet eligibility requirements via the city.

“Low-income New Yorkers – especially African-Americans – are suffering because they can’t afford ACs or other cooling systems,” said Restler in a newsletter.

This year has been the Earth’s hottest start in history. Just like NYC’s Heat Season has kept New Yorkers warm during the winter months, this bill could keep New Yorkers cool in the face of rising temperatures.

“All tenants deserve a safe, liveable home and as our summers get hotter, that means guaranteeing access to air conditioning,” said Restler. “This is common-sense legislation that replicates the model of how landlords protect tenants from the cold and applies it to summer heat. Heat is the leading killer from climate change and we must swiftly implement new, bold policy frameworks to keep New Yorkers safe.”