What law allows a renter to put in a window a/c unit?

Question

I heard that so long as you are paying rent the landlord can't stop you from putting in a unit unless you may do damage to the building, which a window unit won't. What specific law is this, so that I can print it out and present it to my landlord? I rent a room in a house, which does have central a/c, however the owner refuses to turn it on unless it gets 'really hot' and she also will not let me put a window unit it because she basically wouldn't like the way it looks. I do not tolerate heat well, plus it aggrivates my asthma. I live in Philadelphia, so summers can get quite hot and humid!

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

The lease dictates what you can and cannot do within your apartment. If the lease does not specifically disallow an AC unit, you're probably within your rights to put one in. Look for clauses in your lease referring to "modifications" and or "appearance" of the apartment. Also look for sections related to "excessive use of utilities". It is possible that your landlord could use those clauses to disallow your AC unit.

In this country, and even in Philly, we don't pass laws allowing things. We only pass laws disallowing things, so you're not going to find a law saying that you can have an AC unit. The burden would be on the landlord to produce a law stating that you cannot have one. Without that writen into your contract, you have a right to put an AC unit in and run it anytime that you want to.

I've lived through some sticky, hot summers in Philly, and I don't envy you. We got a window unit and used it to keep our sanity. Good luck to you!

Source(s):

I've rented in Philly, worked within the residential systems in PA, worked as a property manager in Philly, and gone through a really hot summer in Philly.

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

Thanks. I ended up talking with her and she stated that she hates air conditioning and would not budge on the issue. So, looks like I'm moving!

Answer 2

Sorry hon it sounds like it is time for you to move. You can talk to her and tell her your reasons for needing A/C but other than that sounds like you are out of luck. Read your lease agreement, and see if can't work something out about the cost of the electric anybe she just doen't want to pay for the A/C Good Luck

Answer 3

gonna have to move. some ladies are just old and grumpy for what ever reason.

Answer 4

There is no law regarding installing or using a window AC ... the terms of your lease address that. If there is no clause forbidding the installation and use, you're free to do what you want to ... as long as you do no damage to the window or building.

Answer 5

I can't tell you the specific law because you need to get that from your local housing/landlord/tenant governing dept. However, I faced this same issue once. There was no AC at all in my second floor apt. My cat almost died from the heat. I told the landlord I was putting in a window unit and it was ok. But, a landlord must provide heat and cannot refuse it and the same applies to AC, especially when your health warrants it.

Answer 6

The most important law she has. The law that says she can do what she wants in her home. If you don't like it, move.