LAUREL, Md. — As temperatures soar past 90 degrees, residents of a Maryland apartment complex are facing unbearable conditions after nearly a week without air conditioning. Tenants at The Elms at Laurel Park say they’re especially concerned for vulnerable residents, including the elderly, disabled, and young children.
“It’s hot. We’re suffering,” said Cameron Evans, a resident at the complex. He added that the only communication they’ve received from management was an email stating a technician was on-site addressing the issue—an update that came six days ago. Evans lives in the apartment with his children, including a daughter with a disability. “I’m ready to go buy an AC unit myself. I have to take care of my kids,” he said.
Other residents, like Christopher Caminero, are also trying to find relief. “My daughter can’t be in there. She’s just constantly sweating. We’re heading to the pool,” he said.
Some tenants have decided to move out entirely. “This is the second summer in a row without working air conditioning,” said Aileah Escoto while packing her moving van. “This is just one of many problems. I’m done.”
To cope, Evans bought multiple fans in hopes of cooling down their unit enough to sleep.
According to Maryland law, rental units with air conditioning must be able to maintain indoor temperatures at or below 80 degrees. Similar standards apply in Virginia and D.C., where housing laws require a maximum temperature of 78 degrees, or 15 degrees cooler than the outdoor temperature, whichever is higher.
“When you’re a tenant, you have rights—including the right to a safe and livable home,” said Emily Barth, Assistant Attorney General in D.C.’s Office of Consumer Protection. She noted that tenants dealing with AC issues can seek help through the office’s mediation program, which prioritizes cooling concerns.
Attempts to reach management at The Elms at Park Place were unsuccessful. Residents say the office has been closed for several days, and calls to the complex and its parent company have gone unanswered.
