Record breaking heat killed nearly 100 people throughout Oregon in June of 2021. Most of those who died were lower-income or older residents without access to air conditioning and who couldn't leave their homes. Fortunately, in 2022, Oregon has not experienced the extreme temperatures felt last year, but heat waves continue.
As a result of last year's heat deaths, Senate Bill 1536 was introduced during the 2022 legislative session. The bill passed as an emergency measure and took effect upon passage. The new law (Or Laws 2022, ch 86, §§ 1-2) amends the Oregon Residential Landlord Tenant Act to limit restrictions on a renter's use of portable cooling devices from May to September. The law defines a portable cooling device as "...air conditioners and evaporative coolers, including devices mounted in a window or that are designed to sit on the floor..."
Tenants still face some restrictions. Including compliance with written standards for device safety, no damage to the premises, and no power usage beyond what a building's electrical system can handle. Air conditioners must be uninstalled by October 1st and not re-installed before April 30th.
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