Washington state law grants tenants air conditioning rights

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson signed law SB 6200 in March to protect the rights of tenants and mobile home residents to have air conditioning.

The law prevents most landlords from charging for air conditioning units or stopping residents from installing their own units. This legislation aims to address the increasing frequency of extreme heat in the Pacific Northwest, a region where air conditioning is less common than in other parts of the United States.

Agricultural workers and community advocates report that many people who could benefit from these protections do not yet know the law exists. Activists and legal representatives note that immigration concerns and a lack of local outreach have hindered the spread of information. While the law covers most rental housing, it excludes housing provided by employers to seasonal agricultural workers.

However, the Washington Department of Housing still regulates those employer-provided homes, requiring them to maintain temperatures at or below 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Experts and advocates emphasize that air conditioning is a vital necessity for outdoor workers who face high risks of heat exhaustion and dehydration. Research shows that extreme heat kills approximately 9,000 people in the United States annually, with outdoor laborers facing higher risks.

Because the new law requires tenants to purchase their own units and pay for increased electricity costs, advocates are now working to update educational materials to inform workers of their rights.