Resources for Tenants
Get Help Paying for Cooling Upgrades
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Resources for Tenants
Get Help Paying for Cooling Upgrades
It can be expensive to run air conditioning, especially during extreme heat. There are lots of programs that can help with the cost of keeping rental dwellings cooler.
Whether you’re a landlord making upgrades or a tenant trying to stay comfortable, you may qualify for:
- Financial support for low-income renters
- Utility rebates and discounts
- Energy efficiency financing
- Federal tax credits and incentives
- Weatherization and retrofit funds
- Contractor and installation support
- Programs for low-income households
These resources can help with things like electrical updates, cooling devices, and lower energy bills. Let’s keep homes safe and comfortable—for everyone.
| Resource | What it is |
| California Public Utilities Commission California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) | Utility bill discount program - up to 30% based on eligibility. |
| California Public Utilities Commission Family Electric Rate Assistance Program (FERA) | Utility bill discount program for incomes that slightly exceed the CARE allowances. |
| Catholic Charities of Los Angeles | Financial assistance for utility bills. |
| Southern California Edison Energy Assistance Fund | Fund that provides up to $300 to be used as a credit on a SCE energy bill. |
| Southern California Edison Energy Savings Assistance Program | Provides energy-efficient appliances and installation services, including for cooling equipment and smart thermostats, at free or reduced prices to income-qualified customers. |
| Southern California Edison Residential Summer Discount Plan | Customized discount program. |
| Southern California Edison Smart Thermostat Rebates | $75 credit available for households that enroll in qualifying programs through authorized thermostat providers, aimed at maximizing energy efficiency of HVAC systems. |
| U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Low- Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) | The LIHEAP assists eligible low-income households with their heating and cooling energy costs, bill payment assistance, energy crisis assistance, weatherization and energy-related home repairs. Currently administered by community-based organizations in LA County. |
Safe Maximum Indoor Temperature Thresholds
for Residential Dwelling Units
Unincorporated Los Angeles County has passed a new ordinance requiring rental units to maintain a maximum indoor temperature of no more than 82°F. For most landlords, this requirement will apply to all habitable rooms by January 1, 2027. If you are a small property landlord*, you will need to meet the standard in at least one habitable room per unit by January 1, 2027, and in all habitable rooms by January 1, 2032, to comply with the ordinance.
Tenants are allowed to install their own portable cooling devices—such as plug-in air conditioners or fans—without being evicted, charged extra, or punished. Tenants must notify their landlord in writing, at least five days before installing the unit, so their landlord is aware of the additional electrical demand. Landlords may not pass along the cost of installing a portable cooling device to tenants, but they may be eligible for other capital improvements required to comply.
While the ordinance doesn’t require landlords to upgrade electrical systems, it’s strongly recommended that units be equipped to safely support standard cooling devices. Ensuring electrical systems are up to code and able to handle plug-in air conditioners or fans can help avoid safety issues and make compliance easier for everyone. Tenants can add a portable cooling device or utilize other non-mechanical cooling methods at their own cost, and landlords cannot raise the rent or charge extra fees under the new rule.
Get Heat Alerts and Stay Safe
Hot days aren’t just uncomfortable. They can actually be dangerous. Heat waves are getting longer and happening more often, and spending too much time in high temperatures can make you really sick. While anyone can be affected, older adults, young children, pregnant people, outdoor workers, unhoused individuals, athletes, and people with chronic health conditions are most at risk.
Check out these helpful resources from the County of Los Angeles Department of Health.
Sign up online for LA County heat alerts.
Sources: County of Los Angeles Public Health, Los Angeles Office of Climate Emergency Mobilization, LADWP
Safe Maximum Indoor Temperature Thresholds
for Residential Dwelling Units
Unincorporated Los Angeles County has passed a new ordinance requiring rental units to maintain a maximum indoor temperature of no more than 82°F. For most landlords, this requirement will apply to all habitable rooms by January 1, 2027. If you are a small property landlord*, you will need to meet the standard in at least one habitable room per unit by January 1, 2027, and in all habitable rooms by January 1, 2032, to comply with the ordinance.
Tenants are allowed to install their own portable cooling devices—such as plug-in air conditioners or fans—without being evicted, charged extra, or punished. Tenants must notify their landlord in writing, at least five days before installing the unit, so their landlord is aware of the additional electrical demand. Landlords may not pass along the cost of installing a portable cooling device to tenants, but they may be eligible for other capital improvements required to comply.
While the ordinance doesn’t require landlords to upgrade electrical systems, it’s strongly recommended that units be equipped to safely support standard cooling devices. Ensuring electrical systems are up to code and able to handle plug-in air conditioners or fans can help avoid safety issues and make compliance easier for everyone. Tenants can add a portable cooling device or utilize other non-mechanical cooling methods at their own cost, and landlords cannot raise the rent or charge extra fees under the new rule.
Get Heat Alerts and Stay Safe
Hot days aren’t just uncomfortable. They can actually be dangerous. Heat waves are getting longer and happening more often, and spending too much time in high temperatures can make you really sick. While anyone can be affected, older adults, young children, pregnant people, outdoor workers, unhoused individuals, athletes, and people with chronic health conditions are most at risk.
Check out these helpful resources from the County of Los Angeles Department of Health.
Sign up online for LA County heat alerts.
Sources: County of Los Angeles Public Health, Los Angeles Office of Climate Emergency Mobilization, LADWP
* “Small Property Landlord” is defined as a Landlord that meets any of the following:
(1) is qualified for and receives a Homeowners' Property Tax Exemption for the property on which the subject Rental Unit is located;
(2) has an ownership interest or beneficial interest in or controls only one (1) Rental Property with no more than ten (10) Rental Units; or
(3) has an ownership interest or beneficial interest in or controls no more than three (3) Rental Properties with a combined total of no more than ten (10) Rental Units, including any Rental Properties outside of Los Angeles County.
A Small Property Landlord does not include a real estate investment trust (as defined in Internal Revenue Code section 856), a corporation, a limited liability company in which at least one (1) member is, or is controlled by, a corporation, or a partnership in which at least one (1) partner is, or is controlled by, a corporation.