![Tenants may soon have a right to air conditioning in New York City](https://www.dailyclimate.org/media-library/image.jpg?id=52823738&width=1200&height=600&quality=85&coordinates=0%2C74%2C0%2C75)
Credit: bigimager/Big Stock Photo
18 July
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.
Hilary Howard reports forThe New York Times.
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.
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