New York City has introduced a landmark change to its habitability standards. On January 17, 2026, Int 994-A (also known as the "Cool Homes for All" Act) was enacted, officially classifying cooling as a basic human necessity rather than a luxury. This is part of a broader wave of tenant protection legislation, including the Rent Transparency Act (Local Law 86) which followed on January 26, 2026.
For the first time in the city's history, cooling is being placed on the same legal footing as heat, requiring property owners to protect tenants from extreme summer temperatures.
Understanding the Law: Mandatory Cooling by 2030
This legislation requires landlords of both market-rate and rent-stabilized apartments to provide and maintain air conditioning units for any tenant who requests them. The law aims to address a critical health crisis; city data shows that nearly 500 New Yorkers die annually from heat-related causes, primarily in homes lacking access to cooling.
Key Compliance Thresholds
- Temperature Standard: During the "cooling season" (June 15 to September 15), indoor temperatures in bedrooms must be maintained at or below 78°F whenever outdoor temperatures exceed 82°F
- Opt-In Process: Tenants can begin making formal requests for air conditioning installation on March 1, 2028
- Compliance Window: Once a tenant makes a formal request, the landlord has 60 days to install an approved cooling system
- Final Deadline: Full enforcement for all covered dwellings begins June 1, 2030
Key Requirements for Owners and Managers
To ensure compliance, owners must meet specific technical and safety standards:
- Technical Specifications: For non-central units, the capacity must be at least 20 BTUs per hour for every square foot of the space being cooled
- Safety and Installation: All window units must be secured with metal brackets or mounting rails fastened to the building envelope. The use of loose objects like bricks or wood blocks for support is a direct safety violation
- Maintenance: Landlords are required to inspect the units at least once a year, no later than 30 days before the start of the cooling season
Financial Implications: Who Pays for What?
The law establishes a clear division of financial responsibility to balance the burden of these upgrades:
Landlord Responsibilities
- • Cost of the air conditioning unit
- • Professional installation costs
- • Annual maintenance and inspections
Tenant Responsibilities
- • Ongoing electricity costs
- • Proper use and care of the unit
- • Reporting maintenance issues
Rent Increase Provisions
- Rent-Stabilized Units: Owners may apply for a permanent rent increase through the Individual Apartment Improvement (IAI) framework. For example, in a building with more than 35 units, a landlord could see a monthly increase of approximately 1/180th of the installation cost (roughly $5.55/month for a $1,000 installation)
- Utility Surcharges: In buildings where electricity is included in the rent, landlords are permitted to charge a monthly surcharge (set at $34.88 for the 2024-2025 period) for each unit installed
Impact on Brokers and Real Estate Professionals
This law adds a new layer of professional responsibility. When listing properties, brokers should be prepared to:
- Disclose AC Readiness: Inform prospective tenants of their right to request cooling and clarify whether the building's electrical infrastructure is ready for the added load
- Ensure Accurate Advertising: Clearly state whether a unit is rent-stabilized, as the new mandate involves different rent increase structures for regulated versus market-rate units
- Provide Strategic Guidance: Help landlords plan for the 2030 deadline by suggesting capital improvements, such as high-efficiency heat pumps, which can provide both mandated cooling and energy-efficient heating while complying with Local Law 97
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Adherence to the cooling mandate provides legal clarity and prevents the classification of a building as "uninhabitable". After the 2030 deadline, failure to provide or maintain cooling will be considered a Class C "immediately hazardous" violation.
Landlords found in violation could face civil penalties of up to $1,250 per day.
Get Your Building Ready
Don't wait until the 2030 deadline to assess your building's electrical capacity and cooling needs.
Planning for Compliance?
I can connect you with trusted contractors and help you understand how this affects your property's value and marketability.
Contact Me DOB AC Installation GuideRelated Resources
- NYC DOB AC Installation Guide: Installation Requirements
- NYC HPD Required Signage: Download Templates
- Local Law 97 (Building Emissions): Compliance Information
