With brutally hot summer days just around the cornrow, many without central air conditioning are planning on purchasing window box air conditioners to off set the heat. For renters, few purchases can cause more legal troubles however, so finding out what your responsibilities is essential.
Obviously, installing a window box air conditioner is not simply a matter of setting a unit on your window sill. Pedestrians can and do become injured or even killed by window box units that plunge to the street below, thanks to poor installation or maintenance. Many management companies require that either a licensed installer fits your unit or that their own management team installs the unit, often for a small fee.
Window boxes can also offer crooks an easy point of access to your apartment. Since many people simply place a piece of clear plastic or cardboard around the unit to fill in the gaps, crooks can simply pull out the air conditioner and enter your home. Most insurance carriers require that the window box be fitted with anti-removal fittings.
In addition, renters that live in “utilities included” units are generally charged a higher rate of rent if they have window box air conditioners due to the huge increase in electric bills. Leases in these units generally state that if you get an air conditioner, you are required to alert them so that a rate adjustment can be made.
So what should you do to stay within the bounds of your lease and the law? First and foremost, talk to your management company. Most management companies have very clear policies regarding window box air conditioners. Whether this means that they will handle installation or simply that they can recommend a reputable installer, it is a great place to start.
If your management company is no help, ask around. There are deals to be had. But it is essential that you hire an installer. The charges for instillation are very small and when you compare it to the very real possibility of injury or death, there really isn’t an option.
Have a cool and safe summer!
Obviously, installing a window box air conditioner is not simply a matter of setting a unit on your window sill. Pedestrians can and do become injured or even killed by window box units that plunge to the street below, thanks to poor installation or maintenance. Many management companies require that either a licensed installer fits your unit or that their own management team installs the unit, often for a small fee.
Window boxes can also offer crooks an easy point of access to your apartment. Since many people simply place a piece of clear plastic or cardboard around the unit to fill in the gaps, crooks can simply pull out the air conditioner and enter your home. Most insurance carriers require that the window box be fitted with anti-removal fittings.
In addition, renters that live in “utilities included” units are generally charged a higher rate of rent if they have window box air conditioners due to the huge increase in electric bills. Leases in these units generally state that if you get an air conditioner, you are required to alert them so that a rate adjustment can be made.
So what should you do to stay within the bounds of your lease and the law? First and foremost, talk to your management company. Most management companies have very clear policies regarding window box air conditioners. Whether this means that they will handle installation or simply that they can recommend a reputable installer, it is a great place to start.
If your management company is no help, ask around. There are deals to be had. But it is essential that you hire an installer. The charges for instillation are very small and when you compare it to the very real possibility of injury or death, there really isn’t an option.
Have a cool and safe summer!
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