Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) –An ordinance defining requirements for landlords to ensure working cooling systems in their rentals was passed by Albuquerque’s City Council Monday night but not without a change. The original ordinance, sponsored by City Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn, would’ve required all rental properties to have a cooling system that could maintain at least 15 degrees lower than the outside temperature when it is over 85 degrees. Landlords argued that turning on their evaporative coolers early would be a problem since a freeze could still happen and could result in busted pipes. The language in the bill was changed prompting Fiebelkorn to withdraw her name from it. The new ordinance states landlords would only have to turn on those coolers between May and September. Other councilors sponsored the bill and it passed 5 to 4.
