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Houston Council Requires Working A/C in Rental Units

City leaders say the change protects residents from extreme heat by setting a technical cooling benchmark with 311-based enforcement.

Record-breaking summer temperatures have led to a rise in heat-related deaths in recent years, including in the Houston area. 
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Overview

  • The City Council approved the ordinance on Wednesday, voting 12-2 to require landlords to supply operable refrigerated air in all habitable rental spaces.
  • The new rule removes the screened-window exemption and allows window or portable refrigerated units to qualify if they can keep indoor temperatures 20 degrees below outside or at 80°F, whichever is warmer.
  • The law takes effect in 120 days and includes a city complaint pathway through 311 for tenants to report noncompliant properties.
  • Landlords and some council members warned the mandate could raise installation and electricity costs for owners and renters, with at least two members voting no over affordability and enforcement concerns.
  • Councilmember Alejandra Salinas paired the ordinance with a short-term giveaway of 125 portable A/Cs for seniors, low-income households, veterans and people with disabilities and cited Harris County Public Health data showing more than 7,600 heat-related illnesses from 2019–2023.