Is your AC broken, but a landlord won’t fix it? Here are your options to stay cool
A Kansas City summer without air conditioning can feel like living in an oven.
Kansas City is under a heat advisory until Tuesday, with the heat index reaching 106 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
If your air conditioner is broken or you can’t pay for utilities, your home could feel as scorching as outdoors. While a pool or neighborhood cooling center can provide some relief, your apartment or house will still be hot when you return.
Here’s how Kansas City area homeowners and tenants can get help to cool their homes during excessive heat.
What to do if your AC can’t get fixed
If reaching out to your landlord in writing doesn’t get your air conditioning fixed, you can try contacting your local government. They can see if the property meets safety standards.
Kansas City residents should reach out to the city’s Healthy Homes Rental Inspection program if they “are experiencing non-working AC or any other type of health and safety concerns about their rental unit,” wrote Heather Frierson, spokesperson for the city manager’s office.
To file a complaint, call 816-513-6464 or submit it through the MyKCMO online form or app. The Health Department will then respond to schedule a site visit.
Air conditioning is not specifically mentioned as a right for renters under Kansas City’s Tenant’s Bill of Rights.
Under Missouri state law, in some situations where a problem “detrimentally affects the habitability” of a home, the tenant might be able to deduct the cost of the repairs from their rent if they fix the problem themselves.
Here is the contact information for local government inspectors around the Kansas City area.
Kansas City: 816-513-6464
Wyandotte County: 913-573-8649
Olathe: 913-971-6200
Overland Park: 913-895-6270
How can I get legal help for unsafe conditions at my rental?
A housing advocate or attorney can give you guidance on working with your landlord. Here is a list of organizations to help you through the process:
KC Tenants: 816-533-5435
Heartland Center for Jobs & Freedom: 816-278-1344
Legal Aid of Western Missouri: 816-474-6750
Kansas Legal Services: 785-233-2068
Kansas Housing: 785-217-2001
What if I can’t afford rent or utilities?
If you need help paying for housing needs, call United Way’s 211 helpline at any time of the day or week. When you call 2-1-1, a person will point you towards assistance. You can also look through their online directory.
The federal government can help pay your energy bill and replace or repair your air conditioner. You might qualify depending on your income, household size or other government benefits. To find out if you’re eligible, call 1-866-674-6327 or take an online questionnaire.
How can I get a free air conditioner?
If you are over 62 years old or have a disability made worse by respiratory issues, you might qualify for a free air conditioner installed by Bishop Sullivan Center. Apply for Project Elder Cool by calling 816-231-0984 or filling out an online form.
Do you have more questions about staying cool in Kansas City? Ask the Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com.
