ACRules
New York City
New York CityHouston

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Rows of apartment windows, many with air conditioners

Every date in NYC's AC law

What tenants do, what owners do, and when. One timeline for both sides of the lease.

Everyone
  1. Everyone

    City publishes the tenant notice

    The city posts the official notice explaining the right to request cooling. NYCHA must also have its separate cooling plan in place by this date.

  2. Tenants

    Tenant requests open

    Tenants can start requesting cooling for covered rooms (rooms used as a primary place to sleep), using the city's form.

  3. Owners

    Owners start handing out and posting the notice

    Owners distribute the city notice to tenants and post it in the building. This window runs through September 1, 2029.

  4. Everyone

    A request takes effect

    Each request takes effect 60 days after it is filed. The city notifies the owner within 10 days of receiving it.

  5. Owners

    Notice window closes

    Last day of the period for distributing and posting the tenant notice.

  6. Owners

    Cooling must be in place

    Owners must have cooling working in every covered room tenants elected. NYCHA's plan must cool at least one bedroom in at least 25% of its apartments by this date.

  7. Everyone

    Cooling season standard

    Covered rooms must stay at 78°F or below, measured 3 feet off the floor and 3 feet from exterior walls.

  8. Owners

    Annual owner inspections begin

    Owners inspect cooling equipment every year from this date on.

Other rules worth knowing

  • Leases and electricityLeases must say whether the tenant or the owner pays to run the AC.
  • Equipment sizeNon central units need at least 20 BTU per hour per square foot. Size your rooms
  • Existing systemsCentral and permanent cooling systems already in a building must be kept able to provide adequate cooling.
  • Rent regulated apartmentsThe tenant must consent to the work and any associated charges.
  • Hardship extensionsOwners can apply for renewable two year extensions for financial hardship, needed electrical upgrades, or landmark limits.
  • PenaltiesA violation is Class C, immediately hazardous, with 14 days to correct.

Source: Local Law 23 of 2026, Admin. Code § 27-2030. Dates can change through city rulemaking. Information only, not legal advice.