During the summer months, many renters suffer from malfunctioning or ineffective air conditioning equipment. When outside temperatures climb, a substantial percentage of tenants are exposed to inside temperatures above 85 degrees. Because of limited resources, many families don't have the option of moving temporarily, buying their own air conditioning equipment, or taking other action. Because excessive heat can materially affect the health and safety of these tenants, actions can be brought against landlords based upon lease agreements, state law and local ordinance.
Impacts are even greater among the elderly, children, and individuals with medical conditions.
It is important to note, however, that if a rental unit is not equipped with air conditioning at all, the landlord is not required to install it. A landlord is, however, required to maintain existing equipment or to replace irreparable equipment. Ten Steps to Cool Down 1. Also record the time it was taken. Start saving the weather section of newspaper to record the outside temperature to compare.