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Stronger Heat Rules for Safer, Healthier, More Comfortable Homes 

Unincorporated Los Angeles County is developing a new indoor cooling ordinance to protect tenants from extreme heat. Rental dwellings in unincorporated LA County will need to be able to stay at or below 82F. High indoor heat isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s dangerous. When the body can’t cool down, it can lead to serious health problems. This site will help tenants and landlords understand how to stay cool and use energy efficiently.

Safe Maximum Indoor Temperature Thresholds 
for Residential Dwelling Units

A proposed ordinance is expected to go before the Board of Supervisors in early August, which, if approved by the Board, would require all rental dwellings in unincorporated Los Angeles County to maintain safe indoor temperatures—no higher than 82°F. This measure aims to protect tenants during extreme heat. If approved, the ordinance would go into effect 30 days after Board adoption, enforcement would begin in January 2027, providing landlords with time to prepare.

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 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.

Resources for Landlords

 

Resources for Tenants

Need Help Figuring Out Cooling Upgrades?

You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Whether you’re a landlord starting to upgrade your property or a tenant trying to stay safe in the heat, there are trusted experts and programs ready to help.

Here’s what you can access:

  • A list of trusted contractors for electrical work, HVAC, and energy audits
  • Virtual workshops and trainings to help you learn the basics
  • Help from programs like SoCalREN, DOE Weatherization Assistance Program, and LIHEAP

These tools can help make sure upgrades are safe, affordable, and up to code.

Resources for Landlords

 

Resources for Tenants

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

A proposed ordinance is expected to go before the Board of Supervisors in early August, which, if approved by the Board, would require all rental dwellings in unincorporated Los Angeles County to maintain safe indoor temperatures—no higher than 82°F. This measure aims to protect tenants during extreme heat. If approved, the ordinance would go into effect 30 days after Board adoption, enforcement would begin in January 2027, providing landlords with time to prepare.

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 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.

Resources for Landlords

 

Resources for Tenants

Need Help Figuring Out Cooling Upgrades?

You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Whether you’re a landlord starting to upgrade your property or a tenant trying to stay safe in the heat, there are trusted experts and programs ready to help.

Here’s what you can access:

  • A list of trusted contractors for electrical work, HVAC, and energy audits
  • Virtual workshops and trainings to help you learn the basics
  • Help from programs like SoCalREN, DOE Weatherization Assistance Program, and LIHEAP

These tools can help make sure upgrades are safe, affordable, and up to code.

Resources for Landlords

 

Resources for Tenants

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