Media and Press Coverage
New Law on Tenant Cooling Protections Recognized as Top ASU Achievement
In their recently released annual report, the Arizona Board of Regents has highlighted the Arizona law guaranteeing tenants’ rights to install heat mitigation systems, backed by research from the Knowledge Exchange for Resilience (KER), as one of Arizona State University’s top five accomplishments in 2024.
This recognition celebrates over five years of dedicated research and collaboration between KER and its stakeholders, ultimately leading to a groundbreaking law that safeguards tenant rights.
Arizona’s extreme heat poses serious health risks, particularly for residents in mobile homes where cooling options are often limited. Through extensive data collection and knowledge exchange, KER’s research emphasized the urgent need for tenant protections against extreme temperatures. This work culminated in a law that prohibits landlords from denying tenants the right to install air conditioning or other cooling measures—ensuring safer, healthier living conditions for vulnerable communities across Arizona.
“This recognition from the Arizona Board of Regents underscores the real impact that research can have when it’s driven by community needs and partnerships,” said KER Executive Director Patricia Solís.
“We’re incredibly grateful to our stakeholders and partners who helped make this possible.”
The new law stands as a testament to the power of research-driven policy and the importance of resilience-focused partnerships. KER remains committed to fostering solutions that protect Arizona’s communities and build resilience in the face of climate challenges.