HOUSTON — The Houston City Council passed an ordinance 12-2 last week that requires landlords to provide a functioning air conditioning system in all rental properties.
Landlords must comply within 120 days, and the ordinance does not require the installation of central air. Window units or portable AC units are acceptable, as long as the space is kept at 80 degrees or below, or at least 20 degrees cooler than the outside temperature.
“This ordinance is asking for the bare minimum for livability in this city,” said Council Member Joe Panzarella…