By Rodd Cayton
Renters in Albuquerque could find themselves a little more comfortable this summer.
A new city ordinance requires all rental properties to have cooling systems.
According to a city news release, the city council updated to the Uniform Housing Code e to protect renters from dangerous heat, as summers get hotter and last longer (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports 2024 was the hottest year on record). The city said heat exhaustion and heat stroke are risky for everyone, but particularly so for the elderly, young children and people with health conditions.
City Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn sponsored the legislation.
“Too many renters have suffered through unbearable heat without relief,” she said. “This new law puts the needs of people first. It’s about dignity, safety, and making sure our most vulnerable neighbors are not left behind.”
Planning department Spokesperson Tim Walsh said Wednesday the change to the code equalizes hot and cold weather; city law already required landlords to put heating in all rental units.
He said the practice in some housing of switching out heating and cooling systems will not be impacted by the code upgrade.
“This is a big win for renters in Albuquerque,” Mayor Tim Keller said. “Having cooling in your home isn’t a luxury, it’s a basic necessity. This ordinance is about protecting people’s health and well-being and making sure renters are safe during the intense heat of summer.”
Albuquerque now joins Dallas and the state of Arizona as locations that require cooling systems. Officials in California have proposed a similar measure.