Cal. Civ. Code § 8-122
Md. Code Ann., Real Property Art. Title 8 — Landlord and Tenant
Operative Text
(a) (1) This section applies only to residential rental units in apartment buildings with 10 or more individual dwelling units. (2) This section does not apply to a residential rental unit that is located on property listed on the National Register of Historic Places. (b) A landlord shall provide air–conditioning in each residential unit in accordance with subsection (c) of this section as follows: (1) Beginning June 1, 2026, for newly constructed residential rental units; (2) Beginning June 1, 2026, for residential rental units where, at any time on or after January 1, 2025: (i) The landlord equipped the unit with air–conditioning or provided air–conditioning; or (ii) A lease required the landlord to provide air–conditioning for the unit; and (3) Beginning October 1, 2026, for residential rental units that undergo renovation that includes the replacement or substantial upgrade of electrical systems or heating systems. (c) Except as otherwise necessary for purposes of reasonable maintenance and repair, each year from June 1 to September 30, both inclusive, a landlord shall provide air–conditioning in each residential unit as follows: (1) For an air–conditioning system that is not under the control of the tenant, the landlord shall maintain the temperature in the unit at not greater than 80 degrees Fahrenheit at 3 feet above the floor level in each habitable space in the unit; and (2) For an air–conditioning system that is under the control of the tenant, the landlord shall ensure that the air–conditioning system is in good working order and is capable of maintaining the temperature in the unit at not greater than 80 degrees Fahrenheit at 3 feet above the floor level in each habitable space in the unit.
Maryland Real Property § 8-122 requires landlords of apartment buildings with 10 or more units to provide air-conditioning in covered residential units during the summer cooling season, running from June 1 through September 30 each year. The rule sets a maximum indoor temperature standard of 80 degrees Fahrenheit, measured at 3 feet above floor level in each habitable space. Depending on who controls the system, the landlord must either maintain that temperature directly or ensure the tenant-controlled system is in good working order and capable of reaching it. The requirement phases in starting June 1, 2026 for new construction and units where air-conditioning was already provided or required, and October 1, 2026 for units undergoing qualifying renovations. Units on the National Register of Historic Places are exempt.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Md. Code Ann., Real Prop. § 8-122, operators of apartment buildings with 10 or more units generally track whether each unit falls under the phase-in timelines — June 1, 2026 for new construction or units where AC was already offered or lease-required on or after January 1, 2025, and October 1, 2026 for units undergoing electrical or heating system renovations. Compliant operators maintain landlord-controlled systems so that indoor temperatures do not exceed 80°F at 3 feet above floor level in habitable spaces throughout the June 1–September 30 cooling season. Where tenants control the AC system, compliant operators document that the equipment is in good working order and capable of meeting the 80°F standard before the cooling season begins each year.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Maryland Real Property § 8-122 establishes a right to functioning air-conditioning during the June 1 through September 30 cooling season for tenants in covered apartment buildings of 10 or more units, subject to the applicable phase-in dates. If a landlord-controlled system fails to keep the unit at or below 80°F, or if a tenant-controlled system is not maintained in good working order, that may constitute a violation of this provision. Tenants who believe their landlord is not meeting these requirements can document conditions, review their lease terms, contact local housing code enforcement authorities, or reach out to a tenant-rights organization for general information about available remedies.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 27, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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