New Law Alert: Indoor Temperature Limits in LA County Rentals

Effective January 1, 2027, Los Angeles County is enforcing a new ordinance requiring that all rental housing units in unincorporated areas must maintain a maximum indoor temperature of 82°F in all habitable rooms. This law is part of a broader effort to protect tenant health and safety amid rising temperatures and extreme heat events.

What Landlords Need to Know

All landlords must ensure that rental units are capable of staying at or below 82°F through:

• Passive cooling methods (e.g., window coverings, ventilation)

• Or, if needed, mechanical cooling systems (e.g., A/C or heat pumps)

Key Provisions:

• Cooling compliance is mandatory by 2027

• Inspectors will focus on education first, then enforcement

• Retrofit extensions of up to 2 years may be granted if needed

Tenant Rights

Tenants are legally permitted to:

• Install portable cooling devices (window units, evaporative coolers, blackout curtains)

• Provide 5 days’ written notice before installation (fans excluded)

• Expect protection from retaliation or eviction for using legal cooling methods

• Devices must be code-compliant and safe. Any damage is the tenant’s responsibility, and the devices remain tenant property.

Cost & Exemptions

Costs to properties include:

• Landlords cannot pass on costs of tenant-installed portable cooling devices

• For permanent mechanical systems, landlords may apply to share up to 50% of costs (subject to rent caps of 3–5%)

Exempt properties include:

• Owner-occupied homes

• Short-term rentals

• Mobile homes

• Units under government inspection- Vacant properties

  
  

Timeline:

August 2025-        Ordinance passed

Mid-2026-           Resources become available

January 1, 2027- Enforcement begins, +2 Years (optional) Extension available for retrofit compliance

Resources for Help-

Ordinance details, cooling tips, landlord/tenant support:

 www.CoolHealthyHomes.org 

CPA Energy Team: Free upgrade consultation for landlords

CARE & FERA programs: Discounted AC units for qualifying tenants

Final Word

This law marks a pivotal shift toward climate-conscious, tenant-focused housing. For luxury

property owners, it’s an opportunity to elevate tenant comfort while ensuring full legal

compliance. Now is the time to assess your property’s cooling systems, plan proactively, and

deliver on the high standards your tenants expect