Over the past decade, Texas has added more residents to its population base than any other state, growing by nearly 4 million residents from 2013 to 2023.
Now, two Texas cities have ranked in the top 3 most attractive rental apartment markets for remote workers: Austin and San Antonio.
But with the blazing-hot summer months looming, there is something that Texas renters should be aware of.
Although Texas is the fourth-hottest state—behind Florida, Hawaii, and Louisiana—there is no state mandate for landlords to provide air conditioning.
And there are no federal mandates, either.
Texas State Rep. Sheryl Cole, D-Austin, is trying to pass a bill that would require landlords to provide cooling systems and offer accommodations when repairs take more than five days.
However, many fear it might stall since so many Texas lawmakers are hesitant to place more regulations on landlords.
“No one should suffer or die in their own home just because they can’t afford air-conditioning,” Rep. Christina Morales, D-Houston, one of the bill’s coauthors, said, according to the Austin American-Statesman. “In Texas, this isn’t just about comfort. This is about survival.”
Rep. Morales hails from one of the individual Texas cities that has some kind of air conditioning requirements.
Dallas and Austin require air conditioning in units, while Houston landlords are only required to provide a cooling system if there are no screens on a unit’s doors and windows.
Air conditioning laws in California, Florida, and more
When it comes to other sunny states, air conditioning laws vary, but most state laws require landlords to keep their tenants cool in some capacity.
For instance, in California, landlords are required to equip their rental properties with “proper ventilation.” That doesn’t mean having AC per se. However, if a functioning air conditioning system is present when a tenant moves in, the landlord is responsible for maintaining it.
Meanwhile, in Arizona, a landlord must supply reasonable air conditioning and cooling in apartments and houses that have an air conditioner installed, and landlords must fix broken AC units within 10 days.
In Nevada, air conditioning is considered an essential service under state law, and a landlord must provide that service and repairs.
Finally, in Florida, you are permitted to rent out a property with no air conditioning. But if a landlord rents out a unit with air conditioning, they are then required to maintain that AC.
Will landlords fix your AC?
When landlords do provide AC, whose responsibility is it to have it fixed if it breaks?
Landlords are generally obligated to keep the air-conditioner, if provided, in proper working condition However, exceptions exist—such as when the damage results from the tenant’s negligence or improper use.
If your landlord refuses to repair a broken air-conditioner, and the situation makes the unit unlivable, you might have legal options depending on your state’s laws and the terms of your lease.
Possible actions include withholding rent, deducting repair costs, pursuing legal action, or ending your lease. Be sure to document the problem, inform your landlord in writing, and adhere to the procedures set forth in your lease and state laws.
How to properly maintain an AC unit to hopefully avoid costly repairs
Before the scorching summer months descend upon us, there are steps you can take to make sure your AC unit is in tip-top shape.
Whether you have central air or a wall unit, the secret to keeping your appliance working as efficiently and inexpensively as possible is knowing how to clean air-conditioner coils—and doing so at least once a year.
Replacing HVAC filters every 60 days is also a must, according to Calvin LaMont, of American Standard heating and air conditioning.
Schedule an annual HVAC tuneup with a professional, especially if you notice issues like unusual noises, smells, or uneven airflow.
To help facilitate proper airflow, check vents and registers to ensure they’re not blocked by furniture or curtains, advises Courtney Klosterman, home insights expert at Hippo home insurance.
Finally, upgrade to a smart thermostat to keep your home at an optimal temperature, reducing strain on your HVAC system and cutting energy waste when you’re not home.
