New York tenant gets hit with a $35 monthly charge for a window AC unit they purchased themselves after management changes policy: 'Nothing in my lease mentions this'

Author image for Cata Holmes
Cata Holmes • Writer
Jul 8, 2026 5:15 PM EDT

Since when can a landlord charge extra for an AC unit bought by the tenant?

A New Yorker reached out to the community in r/Renters because he's dealing with a very strange situation with his landlord. Since the apartment he's renting doesn't have an air conditioning system, he bought a unit and installed it in his bedroom. After a new management company realized he had that, they told him he should start paying a monthly fee of $35 because it is a "seasonal appliance," and it increases the building's power bill.

This is totally insane. I also live in a city that gets very hot during the summer, and luckily, I have an AC in every room of my apartment. My wonderful landlord told me, when my roommate and I moved in, that for some reason, in this part of town, power bills don't get up too much during the hot days due to the AC. But, in case we notice any abrupt increase, we should let him know right away so he can find a solution together.

My personal situation works as a great example of what this landlord should be doing. If we all live in the same city that gets crazy hot during summer, we can expect the tenant to have an AC in the apartment so he can sleep at night. And the funniest thing is that the power bill is under his name, so he's taking full responsibility if the monthly tax gets really high. I don't really understand how they can start charging that invented fee for something he's super mindful and responsible about.

I found in the comments that very helpful information can give this renter a hand. According to some Redditors, the final answer should be in the lease. If there's no mention of an AC unit whatsoever, he's totally entitled to have that unit and not be charged for it. We all know that the new management company wants to charge him extra just for the kick of it, although it could be against the rules. Scroll down and find out what happened to this New Yorker!

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  • 01
    Professional tenant standing with arms crossed against a neutral wall, representing renters, apartment residents, housing rights, lease disputes, and landlord-tenant issues.
    via Unsplash+ (via Jonas Kakaroto)

    Professional tenant standing with arms crossed against a neutral wall, representing renters, apartment residents, housing rights, lease disputes, and landlord-tenant issues.

    Person shown is a model and is not connected to the story.

  • 02
    I'm in upstate NY in an older building with no central air, and I've had the same little window AC unit in my bedroom since last summer. It's mine, I bought it myself, and the old property. manager approved it when I moved in.
    via Proof_Complex_6319
  • 03
    This week the new management company sent an email saying window AC units are now considered "seasonal appliances" and there will be a $35 monthly fee from May through September for anyone using one.
    via Proof_Complex_6319
  • 04
    They said it's because of "building exterior standards" and "increased electrical load" but my electricity is in my name, not included in rent. They also never gave us any other cooling option. My bedroom gets insanely hot because it faces the afternoon sun.
    via Proof_Complex_6319
  • 05
    I had actually saved some money for once after a rough few months, so $35 a month for something I already own just feels ridiculous. I asked if this applies to portable ACs too and they gave me a vague answer about reviewing units case by case.
    via Proof_Complex_6319
  • 06
    My lease says nothing about an AC fee. It only says tenants can't alter windows without permission, and this was already approved before.
    via Proof_Complex_6319
  • 07
    Has anyone dealt with this? Can they add a monthly fee for a window AC in the middle of a lease?
    via Proof_Complex_6319
  • 08
    Residential air conditioning unit mounted on an interior wall as a homeowner adjusts the remote control.
    via Unsplash+ (via Behnam Norouzi)

    Residential air conditioning unit mounted on an interior wall as a homeowner adjusts the remote control.

    Stock photo used for illustrative purposes only.

  • 09
    Appropriate-Fix-571 If it's not in the lease, they can't charge you.
    via Proof_Complex_6319
  • 10
    brn1001 You paid for the AC unit. You're paying for the electricity. Where's the burden on the LL justifying a $35 fee?
    via Proof_Complex_6319
  • 11
    worldscolide If it's not in the lease they can't do anything, I'd be contacting your local tenant's rights group to see next steps. In my state if my LL attempts to that, I have the right to refuse, additionally if he tries to force the issue I'd end up going to court. But again I don't know the rules and laws in NY.
    via Proof_Complex_6319
  • 12
    Icy-Tangerine-9936 Generally, this is not allowed, but you need to refer to your lease. Your best bet is to contact legalaidnyc.org and get advice.
    via Proof_Complex_6319
  • 13
    zanderd86 If it is not in you current rental agreement they cant just tack on fees. When it is time to renew it could be added but that still might not be legal as well. If you are in New York it is very friendly to renters there should be some kind of tenant help board you can contact that can help you navigate this better.
    via Proof_Complex_6319
  • 14
    ZCEYPFOYr0MWyHDQJZO4 If you're in a rent-controlled/stabilized rental, this sort of fee is explicitly illegal. There is an allowable $35 fee for controlled/stabilized units if electricity is included in rent.
    via Proof_Complex_6319
  • 15
    Economy-Sprinkles-98 They seem to have forgotten that you're paying for your own electricity somehow. Remind them.
    via Proof_Complex_6319
  • 16
    Bright apartment living room with large windows, modern furnishings, and natural sunlight.
    via Unsplash+ (via deborah cortelazzi)

    Bright apartment living room with large windows, modern furnishings, and natural sunlight.

    This image is a stock photograph and does not depict the individuals or property involved in the story.

  • 17
    bambam007rocket Will these companies stop at nothing? I could go on and on about the extra fees for things that should be included covered.
    via Proof_Complex_6319
  • 18
    twomillcities Fees that are not in the lease are optional.
    via Proof_Complex_6319
  • 19
    Wooden Group4229 Charge them a $50/month for providing AC and electricity for the unit.
    via Proof_Complex_6319
  • 20
    audsaregreat I would just tell them OK and that you will stop using it, and then continue to use it. How would they know that you're using it if the electric is in your name? If they need to come in, take it out and throw it under your bed.
    via Proof_Complex_6319
  • 21
    Itsa TheMal These landlords are out of control I'm so grateful for mine
    via Proof_Complex_6319

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