Cooling Systems Now Required in All Rental Units

As summer temperatures continue to climb, the City of Albuquerque took action to protect renters from dangerous heat. City leaders are highlighting the passage of Ordinance O-59, which now requires all rental properties to have cooling systems.

For renters across Albuquerque, this ordinance means greater comfort—and safety—during the hottest months of the year. Summers are getting hotter and lasting longer, and extreme heat can be more than uncomfortable; it can be life-threatening. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are real risks, especially for young children, older adults, and people with health conditions.

The Ordinance, which was sponsored by City Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn, amends the Uniform Housing Code to require landlords to provide renters with cooling systems in their rental housing.

“This is a big win for renters in Albuquerque,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “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.”

“Too many renters have suffered through unbearable heat without relief,” said Councilor Fiebelkorn. “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.”

“Avoiding heat stroke and heat exhaustion in the summer is definitely as important as not freezing in the winter,” said Planning Department Director Alan Varela. “We strongly support this law because it helps provide basic safety for renters”.

Other cities and states, like Dallas, TX and Arizona, have already adopted similar measures requiring cooling systems in rental units. Albuquerque is now joining that growing list, committed to making housing more humane and resilient in the face of a changing climate.