"For years, I have been calling on Wiener Wohnen to reconsider the ban on air conditioning in municipal buildings. It is pleasing that the city government has taken the criticism of the Ombudsman Board seriously and is now taking action. In future, the installation of air conditioning systems will be permitted under certain conditions. This is a great success for all people who suffer from the heat in their council flats in summer," emphasised Ombudsperson Gaby Schwarz on the occasion of the announcement by Housing Councillor Elke Hanel-Torsch.
"Until now, air conditioning systems in municipal buildings were only approved for care level 6. Our criticism as the Ombudsman Board was clear: extreme heat in summer is not only an enormous burden for bedridden people at care level 6, but also for people with cardiovascular problems, senior citizens, children and many others. That's why it's good that the City of Vienna is listening to us and adapting this regulation," says Gaby Schwarz, referring to the Ombudsman Board's report to the Vienna State Parliament in 2024, her statements in the ORF programme "Bürgeranwalt" in May 2025, as well as her appeals in the plenary session of the Vienna State Parliament in March 2026.
According to the city councillor, split air conditioning units with indoor and outdoor units are permitted: "The prerequisite for approval by Wiener Wohnen is professional planning and installation by licensed companies as well as compliance with the necessary specifications for noise protection, energy efficiency, fire protection and installation. The installation itself may only be carried out once the necessary authorisations have been obtained," it says.
"Wiener Wohnen is taking the Ombudsman Board's criticism seriously and will approve air conditioning systems in municipal buildings in future," Ombudsman Gaby Schwarz.