Denver Renters Will Get Help With Broken Air-Conditioning Units

Getting hot over your steamy apartment?

In the past, if tenants whose air-conditioning units weren’t working called 311, the Denver services clearinghouse, they would be told that 311 didn’t handle such complaints about landlords. But now, 311 will create a case that will be sent to the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment for resolution, according to 311 director Laura Dunwoody.

The policy was adopted at the end of July, in the middle of a hot summer. Previously, the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment didn’t take action on air-conditioning problems because air-conditioning is not required in this city’s rental units.

However, under the city’s broken-appliance rules, the department can take action regarding a non-functioning appliance that was working when…