News Summary
In Charlotte, Action NC is pushing for a mandate requiring air conditioning in rental units amid extreme summer heat. Over 7,500 units currently lack cooling solutions, raising public health concerns. The proposed initiative suggests affordable alternatives, such as split air conditioning units, to ensure tenant comfort. Meanwhile, a pilot program offers monetary incentives for landlords to install air conditioning. With escalating installation costs and several local schools struggling with heat, community support for the mandate is growing as discussions continue.
Charlotte, North Carolina – As the summer heat intensifies, Action NC reports that at least 7,500 rental units in Charlotte lack air conditioning, prompting the nonprofit organization to advocate for a city mandate that requires all apartments to have some form of cooling solution. This initiative aims to address significant public health concerns amid rising temperatures, especially as current conditions often exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the region.
The proposed mandate from Action NC suggests that rental properties could utilize more affordable split air conditioning units instead of the expensive full-duct systems, providing a viable solution for both landlords and tenants. Robert Dawkins, the Political Director of Action NC, emphasizes the need for apartments to be able to cool down to the 70s during extreme heat, thereby prioritizing tenant comfort and well-being.
In response to the issue, city council members have approved a program that allows landlords to apply for small grants aimed at installing air conditioning units. However, the implementation of this program has not yet commenced, leaving many residents without cooling systems as summer continues. According to North Carolina law, while landlords are mandated to provide heating, there is currently no legal requirement for air conditioning in rental properties.
The Rental HVAC Investment Pilot Program has been proposed as a financial support system to incentivize landlords to install air conditioning in units that previously lacked this essential amenity. The program will offer up to $5,000 per unit to assist with installation costs. To qualify for this pilot program, properties must have been owned by the current landlord for at least two years, must not currently have air conditioning, and must have no open code violations.
Many residents in Charlotte, including individuals like Shaneka Bardney, express strong support for the proposed mandate, highlighting the critical need for cool living spaces during periods of extreme heat. The city plans to continue discussions regarding this initiative through the Housing Safety and Community Committee.
The urgency of the situation is further exacerbated by escalating costs associated with air conditioning installations. New unit prices have soared by approximately 80% since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, primarily due to tariffs, labor shortages, and rising material costs. Specific components required for air conditioning systems have seen dramatic price increases, with costs projected to rise from around $1,000 last March to as much as $1,400 by September.
During this heat wave, many families are facing increasing energy bills coupled with limited access to affordable air conditioning options. To combat the heat, residents are encouraged to engage in DIY maintenance practices, such as sealing cracks in windows and doors, keeping windows covered during the day, and managing airflow to optimize indoor temperatures.
The lack of air conditioning is not only a concern for rental housing but has also impacted local schools. Hawthorne Academy within the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District has been without operational air conditioning units, resulting in classroom temperatures reaching approximately 90 degrees. Parents of students were previously unaware of the extreme classroom conditions, prompting concerns regarding student comfort and overall well-being during high temperature periods.
As Charlotte continues to experience extreme weather conditions, the ongoing discussions and actions surrounding air conditioning requirements in rental properties will be crucial in promoting health and safety for residents across the city.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WSOC TV: Non-profit pushes AC mandate for rentals
- Wikipedia: Air Conditioning
- Charlotte Observer: Charlotte’s AC issues
- Google Search: Air Conditioning Mandate North Carolina
- WCNC: Air conditioning costs rising
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Air conditioning
- News Observer: Discussion on AC in rentals
- Google News: Charlotte Air Conditioning Issues
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
