Council adopts International Property Maintenance changes requiring cooling access in habitable rooms; landlords and managers seek clarifications

The City Council adopted revisions to the local adoption of the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) on April 10 that include a requirement intended to ensure cooling access in habitable rooms. The ordinance passed after councilmembers discussed industry concerns and a proposed grandfathering approach for older buildings.

Members of the Austin Apartment Association and local property managers testified during the public hearing, thanking staff for outreach and asking for flexibility for older buildings that rely on alternative cooling systems such as window units or mini-splits. Speakers requested a grandfathering provision for properties built before 1970, arguing that retrofitting every habitable room for mechanical cooling could impose severe capital costs on small owners and put naturally occurring affordable housing at risk.

Speakers also sought a local clarification of section 105.3 on right-of-entry to align with Texas Property Code obligations and to prevent inspectors from citing violations for items tenants did not report before giving managers reasonable time to repair. Councilmembers acknowledged those concerns; the final action included direction and supporting language to promote transparency in inspections and to codify consistent compliance manuals and enforcement protocols.

Councilmember Vanessa Fuentes, who led discussion on the item, cited similar ordinances in other Texas cities and framed the change as an equity and public-health measure to ensure residents have access to cooling. The measure passed with council discussion about grandfathering and implementation guidance for older multifamily properties.