How Landlords Can Help Tenants Stay Cool During a Heatwave

As spring ends, temperatures begin to rise throughout the states.   Laws regarding temperature minimums for rental properties have long been in place, and new regulations for maximum temps during warmer months are now on the table in many states.  In other words, you must provide a method for tenants to stay warm in the winter, and soon you may be required to provide air conditioning to your rental properties to cool the inside temperatures during the summer months.  Here’s some information on how landlords can help tenants stay cool during a heatwave that you may be better off managing now and not waiting until it gets too hot to handle.

In our neck of the woods of California, the temps near our rental properties are rising, so we reach out to prepare our tenants for the multi-day 109* heatwave that is sure to occur in the coming months.

Regardless of timing, the tips and suggestions below can be used any time during summer for any home (not just for rentals).

How to cope with sweltering weather:

Air Conditioner Tips

For air conditioning units, it is essential to know the greatest AC unit will cool your home about 20 degrees less than the current temperature outside.  When the outside temperature is 90 degrees or higher, it is best not to turn up or lower the temp too low as it puts your air conditioner in an uphill fight trying to cool down your unit.  Set your thermostat between 75-78 degrees (or higher) and try to cope with a bit of heat.  Read below for air conditioning maintenance tips.

When to Open, When to Close Windows and Blinds

Keep blinds closed in all rooms to create an extra layer to keep the heat out.  Then, in the late evening, when the weather cools to around the same temp the air conditioner is set at, turn off your AC.  Next, open the blinds and windows and, if present, use the breeze outside to cool the rooms.  This method works best with cross ventilation, where you have windows opened on both sides of the home so the air can flow through and out of the unit.

 Install and turn on ceiling fans to cool the tenants

The circulating air will help by drying perspiration and making one feel cooler.  One can tolerate the thermostat setting a little higher when you feel cooler.  This is a nice, low cost way to keep tenants cool during a heatwave.

Appliance Use

Do not use appliances OR, if one must, do so early in the day or later at night.  The heat from operating an oven, dishwasher, or washer and dryer will significantly contribute to the discomfort in the home.

Maintenance Tip

Replace air filters.  The cleaner the filter, the easier the air will circulate through the unit.  It also keeps the air conditioning unit itself running better.  It won’t have to work as hard and decreases the chance of failure when the filter is clear of dust, etc.

Stay Healthy

Stay hydrated and be aware.  Symptoms of heat exhaustion are:

• Feeling faint or dizzy
• Excessive sweating
• Cool, pale, clammy skin
• Muscle cramps

Treat these symptoms by drinking water and cooling your body with a fan or AC or by placing an ice/gel pack on the back of your neck.

Heat Stroke symptoms are more serious such as:

• Throbbing headache
• No sweating
• Red, hot, dry skin
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Loss of consciousness

Experiencing any of these symptoms, one should call 9-1-1 or seek medical attention right away.

Helping your tenants stay cool during a heatwave is good customer service and in your best interest to help them maintain the unit and their health.  The more they spend on running the AC each month, the harder it is for them to make rent.

Maintenance Tips for Air Conditioning Units

If your units include window air conditioners, you can increase efficiency by ensuring the seal between the window and the air conditioner is not leaking.  Over time moisture can damage the seal, causing it to leak.

Make sure nothing is blocking the unit’s air flow like bushes or fallen leaves (this applies to a full home/independent unit).

If your unit contains a filter, advise your tenant to clean or replace it for increased airflow.

For single-family homes, closing off unused areas (and air vents) during the hottest part of the day will help concentrate the cool air and make the home more enjoyable and efficient.

Ensure maintenance on your air conditioning units is done each spring to maintain maximum efficiency.  Hire a specialist to check the unit for refrigerant, evaluate the condensing unit, check the ductwork for leaks, and general age and efficiency of the unit.  Air conditioners are like cars; the older they are, the less efficient they become, and sometimes they just need to be replaced.

For homes near the seashore, the salt can corrode the aluminum coils causing the unit to fail when needed most.  If you’ve ever tried to contact an air conditioning tech to service a failed unit during a heatwave, then you know you will likely be waiting days, if not weeks, for that maintenance call to arrive.

Want to email these tips to your tenants?

Below we have included the verbiage used when we email our tenants.  All our units have central AC, so our email content may differ, but feel free to use ours as a template and personalize it where needed.  It’s a nice added touch to let your tenants know you care and that you are interested in keeping them cool during a heatwave.

Click the link below to access a FREE PDF copy of the email we send to our tenants at the beginning of each summer season.

Coping With Heat Wave Email Template ​

We hope these tips have helped you create a way to communicate with your tenant in a caring manner.

Wishing you all cooler days ahead with zero maintenance calls for air conditioning units!

Please leave us a comment letting us know what you think of our blogs!  Questions? Contact us at Stacie@YourLandlordResource.com OR Kevin@YourLandlordResource.com.

Check out our other blogs to guide you on your self-management journey as a landlord:

Why Landlord Inspections Are Essential

Who is Responsible for Which Repairs at Your Rental Property

Make Sure Your Rental Property has Proper Insurance

Meet Stacie & Kevin, Your Landlord Resource