Bill > SB12

This bill mandates that landlords in Maryland must provide air-conditioning in residential rental units within apartment buildings containing 10 or more individual dwelling units, with certain exceptions for historic properties or specific Baltimore City Housing Authority developments. For newly constructed units, this requirement begins on June 1, 2026, and for existing units where air-conditioning was previously provided or required by lease, the same date applies. Additionally, units undergoing renovation that involves significant electrical or heating system upgrades must also have air-conditioning by October 1, 2026. From June 1 to September 30 each year, landlords must ensure that if the air-conditioning system is not tenant-controlled, the temperature in habitable spaces does not exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit at three feet above the floor, and if it is tenant-controlled, the system must be in good working order and capable of maintaining that temperature. The bill also clarifies that it applies prospectively, meaning it will not affect construction or renovations for which building permits were issued before its effective date of June 1, 2026.