Senate committee hears bill to let renters install portable cooling during heat events

The Senate Housing Committee heard testimony Jan. 23 on SB 6,200, a bill that would give renters the right to install portable cooling devices in their homes except where installation would violate building or safety rules or overwhelm electrical capacity.

Senator Slatter, the bill's prime sponsor, told the committee the measure is a narrow public‑health response to rising heat risks. “Extreme heat is not just a nuisance. It's a mass casualty health emergency now,” she said, citing the 2021 heat dome and arguing that many deaths occurred inside homes without adequate cooling.

The bill amends standards under the Residential Landlord‑Tenant Act (RLTA) and the Manufactured/Mobile Home Landlord‑Tenant Act (MHLTA) by preventing landlords from forbidding portable cooling unless the dwelling has a permanently installed, functioning heat pump capable of cooling the unit or installation would violate law, the device manufacturer's safety guidance, cause unreasonable damage, or require an electrical supply that cannot be accommodated. Staff said landlords may require adequate drainage, inspections and written lease notice of restrictions.

Health professionals and tenant advocates urged passage. Dr. Gordon Wheat, a public‑health physician, recounted the 2021 heat event and the ways in‑home cooling can prevent fatal heat strokes in vulnerable households. “We distributed 51 portable heat pumps to low‑income heat‑vulnerable renters to provide refuge cooling,” he said, calling the measure necessary for an increasingly hot climate. Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility and other medical witnesses said portable heat pumps and highly efficient floor units can provide lifesaving room‑level cooling.

Supporters pointed to protections in the bill that shield landlords from liability for tenant‑installed devices. John Tsang of Spark Northwest noted Section 1(7) expressly provides landlord immunity from claims for damages, injury or death caused by a tenant‑installed device.

Apartment owners and property managers acknowledged the bill's intent but raised concerns about window‑mounted units. Kristel Perky of the Washington Multifamily Housing Association said window installations in high‑rise buildings pose a serious falling‑object risk and urged additional safeguards or explicit exemptions for tall buildings. Jim Henderson of the National Association of Residential Property Managers noted insurers commonly prohibit window units and said the bill should clarify installation approvals and qualified installers.

Committee members asked staff to clarify technical details — including what types of devices the bill covers and how electrical capacity and building‑code exceptions would be enforced. Proponents said the bill is technology‑neutral and intended to allow cost‑effective options for low‑income renters, while preserving reasonable safety guardrails.

The committee closed public testimony on SB 6,200 after numerous panels and did not take a vote. The bill will return to committee for follow‑up and potential amendments.