During a recent heat wave in New York City, many people were shopping for air conditioners to cope with the extreme temperatures. However, for those living in public housing, air conditioning is often unaffordable due to the cost of both units and utility bills. Surprisingly, there is no federal requirement for air conditioning in public housing. This lack of cooling options poses a significant risk, especially for vulnerable individuals such as the elderly, people of color, and those with chronic illnesses, who also tend to live in hotter neighborhoods with limited access to shade. While the frequency of heat waves increases, acquiring air conditioning remains a challenge for many public housing tenants. Most public housing buildings were constructed before central air conditioning was widely available, and retrofitting them would be prohibitively expensive. While residents are allowed to purchase their own AC units, they are responsible for the expenses and monthly bills themselves, leading to a heavy financial burden for many families. In states like Texas, where heat can be particularly brutal, efforts to mandate air conditioning in public housing have faced opposition due to financial constraints. However, lawmakers like Texas state Rep. Diego Bernal have advocated for AC units in public housing, emphasizing the necessity for residents’ safety and well-being. Federal regulations currently limit spending on individual air conditioners in public housing, with the exception of elderly or disabled households that require it as a reasonable accommodation. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently updated safety inspection standards with a winter temperature threshold but did not include a cooling standard for summer months. While HUD is exploring options for a cooling requirement, its current stance restricts the use of federal funds for air conditioning units in individual apartments, allowing them only for cooling centers in common areas. Local housing agencies can charge residents a surcharge or require them to pay for air conditioning if the agency covers utility expenses. These guidelines have prompted some public housing agencies, including New York City, to implement air-conditioning fees for tenants. However, research suggests that air conditioners alone may not be the ultimate solution to combat extreme heat. A study conducted in Portland found that many apartments with AC did not cool down as much as expected, and residents often found them too noisy and turned them off. Other measures, such as sun-blocking drapes, evaporative coolers, and awnings, were found to make a significant difference in keeping apartments cool. Despite these alternative methods, some apartments still reached high temperatures and remained hot even after the outdoor temperature had dropped. The residents’ ability to tolerate such heat varied. Therefore, a comprehensive approach involving various strategies is necessary to effectively address heat-related challenges in public housing.
Public Housing Residents in U.S. Face Challenges in Obtaining AC Amid Heatwave: NPR
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