After all, renters of all ages and genders cite air conditioning as their top amenity. If you can provide it for them without breaking the bank, you can expect to see a healthy ROI. Consider leveraging local and national rebates tied to cooling systems. For example, Energy Star rebates might be a great fit for you. According to EnergyStar.gov, this tax credit applies to systems purchased and installed between Jan. 1, 2023, and Dec. 31, 2032. You can claim up to 30% of the project cost for a maximum of $600 credit. By installing air conditioning in your rental unit, you can expect greater tenant interest and a shorter vacancy period across all renter demographics, including age and gender. In other words, prioritizing tenant comfort in
Respite from the ever-increasing heat is no longer a luxury but a necessity in many parts of the U.S. In-home cooling is essential for long-term health and safety, particularly for at-risk populations like older Americans, though all generations of tenants rank it as their top rental amenity. COOLING LAWS AND YOUR RENTALS There are no national apartment air conditioning laws; the closest legislation is the implied warranty of habitability, which varies by state and jurisdiction. However, a handful of state and local laws require landlords to provide air conditioning, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council. In 2020, Montgomery County, Maryland, passed a law mandating that rentals be equipped with air conditioning capable of maintaining internal temperatures of 80°F or lower. Two Southwestern cities, Tempe and Dallas, followed suit. In May 2024, Governor Polis signed SB24-094 into Colorado law, which requires Centennial State landlords to provide a cooling system to tenants.
an ever-warming climate can pay out big time without burning a hole in your pocket.
KRISTA REUTHER
Krista Reuther is the senior education content manager at TurboTenant, where she writes data-driven, actionable material to help landlords and renters. With decades of writing and editing experience, she’s produced top-quality content across various industries, including real estate, SaaS, and survey design/implementation.
SHOULD LANDLORDS PROVIDE AC?
The short answer is that it depends on where your properties are located. The answer is likely yes for landlords with rentals in warm climates. Beyond the fact that summers are on track to keep getting hotter, it’s well worth considering the financial benefits landlords can reap by adding cooling units to their rentals—along with how to offset installation costs.
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