Bill > SB54

This bill requires landlords to provide cooling for residential tenants, with specific provisions for different types of buildings and timeframes. For multiunit structures with 10 or more dwelling units, landlords must provide cooling via effective methods (such as central air conditioning, heat pumps, or portable air conditioning devices) when outdoor temperatures exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit. For new buildings with construction permits issued after January 1, 2026, landlords must provide cooling facilities that can maintain room temperatures at or below 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The bill makes cooling an "essential service" for residential tenants and establishes that cooling methods can include central air conditioning, heat pumps, passive cooling techniques, or portable devices. The requirements become fully operative on January 1, 2036, giving landlords significant time to implement these changes. The bill also removes previous requirements for the Housing and Community Services Department to provide cooling information and for the State Department of Energy to provide grants for community cooling spaces. Additionally, the legislation allows tenants to use their own portable cooling devices with some reasonable restrictions related to safety, building codes, and electrical capacity.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/SB54