L.A. County to consider ordinance of maximum indoor temperatures in rental units

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 on August 5.

"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.

If approved, the ordinance would take effect in 30 days, initiating protections for tenants, including safeguards against landlord retaliation for using cooling tools such as window air-conditioning units, plug-in fans or blackout curtains. Enforcement for landlords would begin in 2027, with an optional two-year extension for compliance.

"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 the board will discuss on Tuesday, that would alter the requirement for "small property landlords." Her amendment would require such smaller landlords to maintain that temperature standard "in at least one habitable room."

The county has an FAQ sheet about the proposed ordinance here. 

Additional reporting by City News Service.