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 landlord—meaning you own 10 or fewer rental units total across all properties—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 can 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.
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.
Landlords should ensure electrical systems in all rental units can safely support fans, portable cooling devices, or other methods needed to maintain the required indoor temperature.
Tenants may add cooling beyond what their landlord is required to provide if they follow the ordinance requirements.
Tenants now have the right to live in dwelling units that can stay at or below 82°F during extreme heat. This helps protect their health and safety.
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 landlord—meaning you own 10 or fewer rental units total across all properties—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.
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
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 landlord—meaning you own 10 or fewer rental units total across all properties—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.
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