In the midst of a heat wave that could reach record temperatures, local authorities urge residents to review their housing contract regarding the proper functioning of the air conditioners in their unit.
According to the lawyer from the Center for Justice and Legal Assistance, Nady Peralta, you could be protected.
“If the lease says that it comes with the property, it’s part of the rent that you’re paying, you do have a right to make it work, but in some DMV jurisdictions there are additional protections,” he explained.
In DC, for example, the Office of Latino Affairs connects people, in Spanish, with the Department of Housing. This is in case, by doing an inspection and determining that the repairs have not been made, the owner could be fined.
The director of the DC Office of Latino Affairs, Eduardo Perdomo, indicated that intimidation by tenants is prohibited.
The government of Washington DC and Montgomery County declared a state of emergency in order to offer resources to preserve the health of residents. Details here.
“There have been cases in which the landlords have abused the condition of the individuals and instill fear in them. With us here, if they feel like this, threatened, they can come here and we will help them with this process,” he said.
The official also emphasized that the service is available to all residents regardless of their immigration status.
For its part, Montgomery County also offers legal protection to its residents. Approved in 2020, Project 24-19 requires landlords to guarantee air conditioning in properties.
For more information, you can call 311 from within the county or dial 240-777-0311.
If you want to file a complaint, you can do so. through this link and select “Housing complaints”.
Likewise, in Prince George’s since 2020 the law requires owners to keep the temperature below 80 degrees in rental units. A civil penalty of up to $500 may be imposed for each violation.
The Department of Inspections and Enforcement Permits is responsible in this county for assisting you. To request more information you can call 301-636-2000.
In Fairfax County, you are also protected if you do not have air conditioning between May 15 and October 1.
To initiate a complaint, you may call the Code Compliance Department at 703-324-1300 or write an email with your request. Experts recommend always having written evidence of conversations with the property owner or manager.
Remember that, as a tenant, you have protection and you can break a contract if the clauses of the document are breached, but you always have to have written evidence and give a prudent response time.
