Extreme heat in Spokane has led to heat-related death and illness (learn more). As of August 3, 2026, Spokane renters now have the legal right to adequate cooling after the City Council passed the Renters' Right to Cooling Ordinance. The goal of this ordinance is to protect renters from extreme heat in their homes by requiring landlords to ensure adequate cooling is available in at least one room of every rental unit they own. The Renters' Right to Cooling Ordinance will protect tenants, helping them safely stay in their homes during extreme heat events.
The Gonzaga Institute for Climate, Water, and the Environment and the Gonzaga University Law School’s Environmental & Climate Law Clinic collaborated to draft, amend, and pass this ordinance to better the Spokane community.
This resource page aims to help both renters and landlords access helpful information to assist them with understanding how to utilize their rights and help keep everyone safe and cool in their homes.
Pursuant to Spokane Municipal Code 10.57.020, all landlords, property managers, and agents of property owners in the City of Spokane are required to register their long-term (30+ days) rental properties.
Homeowners that have utilized SNAP's Weatherization program in the past may qualify for financial assistance installing a new heat pump system. Contact SNAP at (509) 456-SNAP for more information.
Are you on a housing voucher or otherwise concerned about the upfront costs of obtaining an A/C? Contact SNAP to see if you qualify for a free unit or other financial assistance. (509) 456-SNAP
Q: Does the Renters' Right to Cooling Ordinance apply to me?
A: If you live within the City of Spokane and rent your home, the Renters' Right to Cooling applies to you!
Q: What counts as "adequate cooling"?
A: "Adequate cooling" as defined in the ordinance " means cooling from cooling equipment and passive cooling measures that is sufficient to avoid risks to tenant health, including, but not limited to, heat exhaustion, dehydration and worsening cardiovascular or respiratory conditions." Ultimately, you as the renter get to decide if you have adequate cooling based on your own personal health and that of your family members or others that dwell in the renter unit with you.
Q: What part of my living space needs adequate cooling to meet the requirements?
A: Under the Renters' Right to Cooling, landlords must provide adequate cooling in at least one room of the dwelling unit that is used for leisure or sleeping (like a living room or bedroom). This excludes kitchens and bathrooms. Costs for cooling equipment in additional rooms does not need to be covered by the landlord.
Q: What if I can't afford the up-front cost of a cooling unit or I'm afraid my landlord won't follow through on deducting the costs from my rent?
A: If your landlord has not provided adequate cooling within 72 hours of a request and you are on a housing voucher or otherwise are unable to purchase and/or install cooling equipment on your own, reach out to Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners and ask about their Cooling Fund: (509) 456-7627
If you have concerns that your landlord is not meeting the legal requirements of the Renters' Right to Cooling, reach out to the Gonzaga Environmental & Climate Law Clinic or the Tenants Union of Washington State (see contact info below).
Q: I have questions about the Renters' Right to Cooling. Who can I talk to?
A: You can reach out to the Gonzaga Environmental & Climate Law Clinic with any questions by emailing EnvClimateLaw@gonzaga.edu. Renters wish questions can also call the Tenants Hotline provided by the Tenants Union of Washington State: (206) 723-0500
Share your experience!
Are you a tenant that has utilized the Renters' Right to Cooling? We'd love to hear your story! Fill out our form.
