CUB Supports “Yes” Vote on Emergency Heat Relief for Renters (SB 1536)

In 2021, communities across Oregon experienced deadly record-breaking heat. Many people, especially renters, were left without life-saving access to cooling in or near their homes. A new bill, Emergency Heat Relief for Renters (SB 1536), seeks to keep Oregonians safe from extreme heat by increasing renters’ access to cooling resources.

In Multnomah County, more than 50 percent of the people who died during the 2021 heat wave lived in multifamily housing. Seniors, people with disabilities, and people with underlying medical conditions are at an even higher risk of serious harm related to extreme weather conditions. Without access to life saving cooling devices, these populations will continue to suffer.

Emergency Heat Relief for Renters will:

• Remove barriers for renters to install portable air conditioners
• Require cooling in new or recently renovated rentals
• Provide $10 million in heat pump incentives for landlords
• Provide $2 million for extreme weather shelters (like cooling, warming, and air quality)

Removing Barriers for Installing Portable Cooling Devices
Right now, many renters cannot access cooling devices at home because of landlord imposed rules. SB 1536 removes many limitations that can be set on installing cooling devices, such as a window A/C unit. While there are still some limitations for building codes and safety, this will help many more households access cooling at home.

This bill also establishes the right to reasonable accommodation for medically vulnerable people and seniors to install cooling devices. These populations are particularly at risk for heat related illnesses. By requiring landlords to make accommodations, many more Oregonians can stay safe and healthy in their homes during extreme heat.

Requiring Cooling in Existing, New, and Renovated Rentals
Nearly 30 percent of Oregon households do not have air conditioning. For renters, that number is even higher. Not having built-in cooling systems is a huge barrier for many renters to access cooling at home. Portable devices are expensive both to purchase and to run.

SB 1536 requires cooling in at least one room of the tenant’s residence for all new and renovated rentals. By requiring rental properties to have cooling, households can stay cool and safe more easily.

This bill also requires that landlords provide cooled community spaces. If these spaces are not possible, landlords must conduct welfare checks on tenants without portable cooling devices during an extreme heat event. This applies to existing manufactured dwelling or recreational vehicle parks, as well as multifamily units.

Funding for Cooling Programs
High efficiency cooling systems, like heat pumps, are important tools for lowering energy use and bills during the summer. HB 1536 will make it more affordable for landlords to provide heat pumps for their rental properties. This bill will make $10 million in incentives available to landlords, lowering the cost of installation.

This bill also adds $5 million in loan funds for upgrades that may be a barrier for switching to a heat pump. Many older homes need electrical, mechanical, or structural improvements before installing new heating/cooling systems. These funds will help landlords make the necessary upgrades to provide this highly energy-efficient cooling option.

Finally, this bill will provide $2 million for extreme weather shelters. Even with the improvements this bill offers to protect Oregon renters from extreme heat, more community support is needed. These funds will provide heating, cooling, and air shelters to communities across the state.

Now is the Time for Emergency Heat Relief for Renters
As we see more frequent extreme weather, Oregon needs to keep renters and vulnerable communities safe. SB 1536 will help renters stay cool and safe in their homes. CUB supports a “yes” vote on the Emergency Heat Relief for Renters Bill (SB 1536).

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