Los Angeles New Rules: Rental Homes "Temperature Limits" - Small Landlords Have a Buffer!
Los Angeles County Passes New Law: Starting in 2027, the Indoor Temperature of Rental Homes Must Not Exceed 82 Degrees Fahrenheit
Los Angeles News
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted 4-0 on Tuesday (August 5) to pass a new regulation, which stipulates that starting from January 1, 2027, the indoor temperature of all rental housing in unincorporated areas of the county must not exceed 82 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 27.8 degrees Celsius), aiming to protect residents' health and safety.
Amid high temperatures, air conditioners in supermarkets are sold out. Photo by Pang Keyang.
According to a letter from the County Department of Public Health to the Board of Supervisors, this measure will strengthen health protection for tenants and prevent heat from harming the human body.
Main content includes:
Immediate Effect: Within 30 days after the regulation is passed, landlords must allow tenants to install portable cooling devices (such as electric fans, mobile air conditioners) or use non-mechanical cooling methods such as blackout curtains to regulate the temperature themselves.
Enforced in 2027: From 2027 onwards, all habitable rooms in rental homes must maintain a temperature standard of no more than 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
Special Provisions:
A amendment proposed by Supervisor Janice Hahn stipulates that small landlords (small property landlords) initially only need to meet the standards in at least one habitable room, but must achieve compliance in all rooms by January 1, 2032. This provides a longer buffer period for small landlords.
This amendment has been opposed by some residents, who have called for the temperature control standards to be applied to all rental units. However, Hahn stated that it is a pragmatic compromise.
Community Impact:
Supervisor Hilda Solis stated that this regulation is crucial for low-income and vulnerable groups (such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities) in areas such as East Los Angeles, Florence-Firestone, and Walnut Park, especially benefiting older buildings without modern cooling systems.
The regulation also protects undocumented immigrant tenants, allowing them to use cooling equipment without being harassed or discriminated against.
Next Steps:
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has currently instructed relevant departments to study financial assistance programs to help landlords and tenants share the costs of installing and operating cooling equipment.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1839668203647299/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author.