Do You Live in an Apartment and Have No AC?

What to Do If Your Air Conditioner Breaks Down in an Apartment Community in Gaithersburg, Maryland

If you live in an apartment community in Gaithersburg, Maryland, and your air conditioner breaks down, it's important to know who to call for help. Your landlord is responsible for maintaining the air conditioning in your unit if one was provided when you moved in, but what if they ignore your maintenance requests? Make sure to first communicate clearly with your landlord. When did it break, offer details in writing and in person or by phone. Keep a record of your maintenance requests. Let the landlord know of any health conditions that may be exacerbated due to no ac so it can be a priority. Make sure your landlord has access to your home. 

Here are a few other people you can contact:

• The Renter’s Alliance of Montgomery County Mailing Address
  P.O. Box 7773
  Silver Spring, Maryland 20907-7773
  Please email info@rentersalliance.org with any questions.
• The Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Development: This department can help you file a complaint against your landlord if they are not properly maintaining the air conditioning in your unit. DHCA is open to customers and visitors 8:30 a.m.- 5 p.m., Monday – Friday. We are located at 1401 Rockville Pike, 4th Floor, Rockville, MD 20852. 311 or (240) 777-0311 (also known as MC311), is Montgomery County, MD’s phone number for non-emergency government information and services. For emergency calls, residents should continue to call 911. MC311 operators are on duty from 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and are able to answer many questions.
  
• The Maryland Office of the Attorney General: This office can also help you file a complaint against your landlord.410-528-8662 (Consumer) 410-528-1840 (Health)
  As a reminder, you can always reach them by email heau@oag.state.md.us (health care/insurance billing) or consumer@oag.state.md.us (business complaints), or file a complaint through their website. 
• The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP): This organization can provide you with legal advice and resources on how to deal with a landlord who is not properly maintaining the air conditioning in your unit.Hours: AARP Maryland is open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ( please note: this office is not available for walk-ins. For a phone number accessible to the general public; see phone number below)
  Location: One Park Place, Suite 475 | Annapolis, MD 21401-3475 | Local Map
  Call: 866-542-8163
  Email: md@aarp.org Fax: 410-837-0269

If you are an apartment dweller in Gaithersburg and your air conditioner breaks down, it is important to take steps to stay cool and safe. Here are a few tips:

• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you.
• Avoid strenuous activity. If it is too hot to be outside, stay inside in a cool place.
• Take cool showers or baths. This will help you cool down and stay comfortable.
• Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. This will help you stay cool and comfortable.
• Use a fan. A fan can help circulate the air and keep you cool.
• If you have to go outside, wear sunscreen and a hat. This will help protect you from the sun's harmful rays.

If you are unable to stay cool, or if you experience any health problems due to the heat, call 911 immediately.

It is important to remember that you have rights as a tenant. Your landlord is responsible for providing you with a safe and habitable living space, and that includes keeping your air conditioning in good working order. If your landlord is not properly maintaining the air conditioning in your unit, you should not hesitate to contact the authorities for help.