Effective June 1, 2026, Maryland law requires some landlords to provide air conditioning. The law does not apply to all rental leases.
Read the Law: Md. Code, Real Property § 8-122
Landlords who must provide air conditioning
The law applies to landlords who rent 10 or more individual units. Not all properties will be subject to the air conditioning requirement. Rental units that do not currently provide air conditioning are allowed to remain unchanged. If a landlord renovates the unit, the law may apply.
Beginning on October 1, 2026, residential units that undergo renovations that include replacement or substantial upgrades of the electrical or heating systems, will need to provide air conditioning. The law applies only to future renovations and does not have any effect on any building construction or renovation for which the building permit is issued before June 1, 2026. Buildings with permits issued after June 1, 2026, must include air conditioning.
For rental units that currently have air conditioning, the landlord has a duty to maintain and repair the equipment. The law allows an exemption providing air conditioning during periods of time necessary for reasonable maintenance and repairs of the air conditioning systems.
The law also does not apply to residential rental units that are located on property listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
What does air conditioning mean and when must it be provided?
Air conditioning must be available to tenants beginning on June 1st and extending through September 30th. The required air conditioning, whether controlled by the tenant or the landlord, must maintain a temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, measured three feet above the floor in all habitable spaces. For units controlled by the tenant, a landlord must ensure that the air‐conditioning systems are in good working order and capable of maintaining the legally required temperature.