Why air conditioning laws matter in DC area as summer approaches
Why air conditioning laws matter in DC area as summer approaches
Mike Stunson, USA TODAYFri, April 10, 2026 at 4:30 PM UTC
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Summer is fast approaching, with warm temperatures expected to hit Washington DC and make for a sticky and humid start to the season, a familiar reality for residents across the DMV.
That seasonal heat also brings renewed attention to cooling laws across the DC area that dictate air conditioning provisions.
Here's what you if you live in the DMV.
What are the cooling laws in Washington DC?
Landlords in the nation's capital whose tenants have leases that require air conditioning must keep keep inside temperatures at least 15 degrees cooler than outside temperatures.
Air conditioning units — which can be central air systems or individual units — must be inspected between September and May each year. Results must be filed by the landlord within seven days.
The DC government says any landlord who does not abide by the laws could receive unspecified penalties.
Landlords, however, are not required to provide air conditioning.
What are the cooling laws in Montgomery County, Maryland?
Montgomery County, which includes Germantown, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Bethesda and Rockville, does require landlords to provide air conditioning in most rental units after a 2020 law went into effect.
"The new law requires landlords of townhomes and multifamily rental properties to provide and maintain central air conditioning or individual air conditioning units in good working condition to protect the health and safety of tenants," the county says. "All rental dwelling unit air conditioning systems must have the capacity to cool habitable spaces to eighty degrees Fahrenheit or less from June 1st to September 30th."
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What are the cooling laws in Prince George's County, Maryland?
Like DC, Prince George's County requires landlords maintain air conditioning units and keep temperatures to no more than 80 degrees, does not require that air conditioning is provided.
The county's law states that "any air conditioning equipment provided by a landlord shall be properly installed, connected and maintained."
Prince George's County includes Bowie, College Bark, Hyattsville, Lauren and more cities.
What are the cooling laws in Alexandria and Arlington?
Alexandria and Arlington — independent cities in Virginia — each have guidelines landlords must abide by.
Alexandria and Lexington abide by Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code laws, which do not require landlords to have air conditioning.
But if they do, it must maintain a temperature of no more than 80 degrees from May 15 to Oct. 1.
What are the cooling laws in other Virginia counties?
Fairfax, Loudon and Prince William counties all abide by same Virginia codes and do not require landlords to provide AC.
In Loudon County, there are no requirements for landlords to maintain air conditioning units, according to WUSA.
But in Prince William and Fairfax counties, AC units must be properly maintained, WUSA reports.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: AC laws in DC, Maryland, Virginia: what renters should know
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