Can My Landlord Legally Prohibit Me From Using My Air Conditioner?

Question

He says he doesn't like how it looks from the street. He is planning to replace the siding, so damage is a non-issue...I've even offered to pay for any extra cost in the electric bill. He keeps it roasting in here and it was 102 today...a window fan just doesn't cut it at that point. I am wondering if it's legal for him to forbid me from putting the AC in the window? I am in Oregon. Any help is appreciated.

Answer 1

Depending on where you live it's not a legal requirement for the landlord to provide you with AC.  Heat is another matter.  However, if it had AC when you move in and you rented the place with the assumption it had AC, I don't know if he can take it away.  If it didn't have AC when you moved in, I believe you're out of luck.

Answer 2

He doesn't "keep it roasting" he merely doesn't make it cool for you. If he is paying the power bill he has the right to restrict certain uses. Try opening windows and turning on fans. He's probably afraid what you offer won't cover it.

Actually, I forbid a/c in front or rear windows. On the front it's too easy for people to bang into and want to sue. In the back it makes too much noise to enjoy the yard. I required they use side windows only.

Answer 3

no he cant

note-u can take him to court n win if u wanted-health reasons etccc

put it in n call ur (section 8) or go to renters rights. i had to do this cause the landlord wanted it to match the house-he lost! its like 20 $ more per summer to run it. they cant say anything about fans/aircons/water blowers/anything that has to due with a season/weather!

good luck

edit-if he changes ur contract to not usin one u can turn him in for that! do it if he does! ppl die from heat/cold!!!!

Answer 4

no, he can't. and it's also not "reasonable grounds" for eviction.

if he persists, tell him you will take it up with the local authority to decide on the matter.

Answer 5

NOOOO my friend...he is wrong and cannot do that.

of course you need to know your tenant rights for your state BUT if it comes with the apartment and its not in the lease (even then lol) you can use the sh*t out of it and he cant do a darn thing!

some states also require landlords to provide heat and air...

something to look into and next time your at the library or have a few extra mins online...check out your rights as a tenant. its best to know them so you cant get screwed

Answer 6

Seems bogus.  Unless it's stipulated in the lease I don't see how he or she can stop you.

Answer 7

There are portable air conditioners that sit on the floor with 1 or 2 hoses to a window panel that does not stick out at all and does not even require removing the window screen.  The condensate from the evaporator is slung onto the condenser to cool it and evaporates out the hose.   You can close everything up and wheel it into a closet for winter.  When I have mine going on second floor rear window, I cannot even hear it from the back yard.

They do cost a bit more than a window AC, but work where a window AC may not be suitable.  Security may be an issue on 1st floor unless you have some way to lock a partially opened window.

Answer 8

Well most say "no" but he can if the homeowners asso does not allow it.  If the property is not part of a homeowners though and it is not in the lease then you have a leg to stand on.  

Answer 9

if its not mentioned in your rental agreement you have a non issue.

run ac at will!

Answer 10

nope he cant do that. ask him if he wants judge judy to decide

Answer 11

If you are willing to pay the extra costs in the electric bill, then what he is suggesting is not reasonable.

However, keep in mind, that you don't get to see a copy of the bill either.