All rental housing units in unincorporated parts of Los Angeles County would be required to have a maximum indoor temperature of 82 degrees under an ordinance set to be considered by the Board of Supervisors Tuesday.
“The proposed ordinance will enhance and strengthen the health and safety of occupants residing in rental housing units by ensuring indoor temperatures do not reach levels that are dangerous to health,” according to a letter sent to the board by the county Department of Public Health.
The ordinance would also require landlords to allow tenants to install portable cooling devices — such as air-conditioning units or fans — or other “non-mechanical cooling methods” — such as blackout curtains — to control the temperature in their units. That requirement would take effect in 30 days of the board approving the ordinance, but enforcement of the overall 82-degree maximum temperature requirement would not begin until Jan. 1, 2027.
“For many residents of East L.A., Florence-Firestone, and Walnut Park, this ordinance could be life-saving — especially for vulnerable populations such as children, seniors, people with disabilities, and pregnant individuals,” according to a statement from Supervisor Hilda Solis’ office. “It also supports low-income households, many of whom live in older buildings lacking modern cooling systems. Importantly, the ordinance helps protect immigrant tenants by ensuring they can safely access cooling measures without fear of harassment or discrimination.”
The ordinance would require the maximum temperature of 82 degrees in all habitable rooms of the rental unit. Supervisor Janice Hahn has introduced a proposed amendment, which will be discussed by the board Tuesday, that would alter that requirement for “small property landlords.” Her amendment would require such smaller landlords to maintain that temperature standard “in at least one habitable room.”