landlords
San Francisco landlord leads eco-friendly renovation while safeguarding tenants
A San Francisco landlord is testing how green retrofits can enhance comfort without displacing low-income tenants, amid concerns that citywide efforts could raise rents and push out residents.
In short:
- Amparo Vigil, a landlord in the Mission District, is retrofitting her building with eco-friendly upgrades to manage rising temperatures.
- Tenant advocates fear such renovations could lead to higher rents or evictions if landlords pass retrofit costs to tenants.
- The city is exploring safeguards to prevent displacement as it pursues its net-zero emissions goal by 2040.
Key quote:
“Low-income tenants are in a precarious position, and we don’t want upgrades to lead to ‘reno-victions.’”
— Antonio Díaz, organizational director, PODER
Why this matters:
As San Francisco pushes for greener buildings, protecting low-income tenants from rent hikes and evictions becomes crucial to prevent exacerbating the city’s housing crisis.
Related EHN coverage:
Tenants may soon have a right to air conditioning in New York City
A New York City councilman is introducing a bill to require landlords to provide air conditioning to tenants during the summer to prevent heat-related illnesses.
In short:
- Councilman Lincoln Restler's bill mandates landlords to install and maintain air conditioning units, with fines for noncompliance.
- Each summer, around 350 New Yorkers die from heat-related illnesses, with Black residents disproportionately affected.
- The bill aims to address climate change challenges and ensure safe housing standards, similar to winter heating requirements.
Key quote:
“This will save lives as we reckon with the challenges of the climate crisis.”
— Councilman Lincoln Restler, Brooklyn
Why this matters:
As climate change increases the frequency and intensity of heat waves, access to air conditioning becomes crucial for preventing heat-related deaths and ensuring safe living conditions, especially for vulnerable populations.
Related EHN coverage:
