Questions, answered
One question per page, each with a short answer and the source behind it.
Cost and bills
- Can my landlord charge me for the AC?The law makes providing cooling the owner's job. It only sets cost rules for rent regulated apartments, where you must agree to any charges first.
- Who pays the electric bill for the AC?Your lease has to say. Leases and renewals offered on or after March 1, 2028 must state who pays the electricity for cooling.
What the law requires
- What temperature does the law require?78°F or cooler, from June 15 to September 15, in each room a tenant elects.
- Which rooms count under the law?Rooms that are a permanent occupant's main place to sleep. The law calls them covered rooms.
- How big an AC does the law require?At least 20 BTU per hour for each square foot of the room, for window and wall units.
- Do I get AC automatically?No. The rule applies only to rooms a tenant elects, starting March 1, 2028.
Requests and dates
- When can I request AC in my apartment?Starting March 1, 2028. Each request takes effect 60 days after you make it.
- What happens if my landlord doesn't comply?The City can issue a Class C, immediately hazardous violation, and the owner has 14 days to correct it.
- Can owners get more time to comply?Yes. The City can grant renewable hardship extensions of up to two years at a time.
Which homes
- Does the law cover co-ops and condos?Yes. For each apartment, the law treats the co-op shareholder or condo unit owner as the owner.
- Does the law cover one and two family houses?Yes, when a tenant lives there.
- Does NYCHA have to provide AC?NYCHA complies by following its own cooling plan, due by January 1, 2028.
- Does the law cover shelters?No. Buildings the City uses for emergency temporary housing are left out.
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