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HB 339

Real Property - Residential Rental Apartments - Air-Conditioning Requirements

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Nick Allen and 16 co-sponsors

Maryland bill requires landlords to provide air-conditioning in rental apartments or pay for tenant-installed systems, establishing cooling standards for residential rentals.

Hearing 3/26 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 339

Legislative bill overview

HB 339 requires landlords of residential rental apartments in Maryland to provide and maintain air-conditioning systems or allow tenants to install their own at the landlord's expense. The bill establishes minimum cooling standards for rental properties, with specific temperature thresholds and maintenance obligations.

Why is this important

As climate change drives more frequent and intense heat waves, inadequate cooling in rental housing poses serious health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations like elderly residents and those with medical conditions. Approximately 40% of Maryland renters live in older buildings without adequate air-conditioning, making this a significant public health and housing equity issue affecting hundreds of thousands of residents.

Potential points of contention

  • Landlord costs: Retrofitting older buildings with AC systems can be expensive; unclear whether exemptions exist for small landlords or buildings where installation is technically infeasible
  • Rent increase concerns: Landlords may pass installation and maintenance costs to tenants through higher rents, potentially worsening housing affordability
  • Enforcement mechanisms: The bill's enforcement provisions and penalties for non-compliance are not specified in available information, raising questions about practical implementation

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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