Los Angeles, August 5 – The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved (4-0) a groundbreaking ordinance on Tuesday mandating that by January 1, 2027, all habitable rooms in rental units within the county’s unincorporated areas must maintain temperatures no higher than 82°F (27.8°C). The measure aims to protect residents’ health and safety amid rising extreme heat.
Supermarket AC units sold out during heatwave. Photo: Pang Keyang
Key Provisions
Immediate Requirements (Effective in 30 Days):
- Landlords must allow tenants to install portable cooling devices (fans, AC units) or use “non-mechanical methods” (e.g., blackout curtains) for temperature control.
2027 Enforcement:
- All habitable rooms in rentals must comply with the 82°F maximum temperature standard.
Special Concession for Small Landlords
A critical amendment by Supervisor Janice Hahn:
- Small property owners (≤4 units) need only ensure one habitable room meets the standard initially.
- Full compliance for all rooms required by January 1, 2032.
The amendment faced opposition from advocates demanding universal standards, but Hahn defended it as a “pragmatic compromise.”
Community Impact
Supervisor Hilda Solis emphasized the ordinance’s significance for vulnerable communities (East LA, Florence-Firestone, Walnut Park), particularly:
- Low-income households, seniors, children, pregnant individuals, and people with disabilities
- Older buildings lacking modern cooling systems
- Undocumented immigrant tenants, who are explicitly protected from harassment when using cooling devices
Next Steps
County departments will develop financial assistance programs to help landlords and tenants share costs for cooling equipment installation and operation.