Turn up the heat: County enacts AC regulation

New Cooling Standards for Rental Units in Los Angeles County

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors recently approved a set of changes aimed at ensuring cooler living conditions for residents in rental units located in unincorporated areas. The decision came after nearly four hours of debate on Tuesday, focusing on implementing a phased approach to indoor temperature regulation. This initiative seeks to establish a single maximum indoor temperature threshold of 82 degrees Fahrenheit for all habitable rooms in rental properties.

County officials emphasized that the goal is to reduce heat-related illnesses, which can range from mild conditions like heat cramps and exhaustion to more severe cases such as heat stroke. According to a slide presented during the meeting, nighttime heat can increase the risk of death from all causes by up to 10% compared to nights with normal temperatures. Vulnerable populations, including disadvantaged children and the elderly, are particularly affected by these conditions.

Dr. Azar Kattan, deputy director of L.A. County Public Health, noted that tenants generally supported the idea of an ordinance, while landlords were less enthusiastic. Both groups raised concerns about the financial implications of the proposed rules. Tenants worried about the costs associated with maintaining cooled environments, while landlords expressed concerns about retrofitting their properties and potential impacts on affordable housing availability.

Enforcement challenges also emerged during the discussion. Tenants were concerned about the difficulty of proving complaints, while landlords feared that complaints might be used as a tool for harassment by problematic tenants. Additionally, some tenants questioned whether the use of air conditioners would be mandatory and whether HVAC units would be required in cooler coastal areas.

After considering these concerns, the county established a temperature threshold of 82 degrees, which landlords are responsible for achieving. Dr. Kattan explained that this temperature falls within the mid-range of what other jurisdictions have implemented and aligns with state recommendations. The new rules aim to balance economic, equity, and environmental considerations.

The ordinance allows tenants to use portable cooling devices, such as air conditioners, provided they notify their landlord and are not retaliated against. Notably, the rules apply to both new and existing homes, marking a significant step for existing properties.

Supervisor Hilda Solis highlighted the issue's impact on health and well-being, explaining her motivation for addressing it. Supervisor Janice Hahn supported the initiative but suggested a compromise for smaller landlords. Her amendment requires those with fewer than 10 units to maintain at least one habitable room at 82 degrees by 2027, giving them an additional four years to comply with the full requirements.

Supervisor Kathryn Barger expressed similar concerns in a statement, though she was unable to attend the meeting due to a funeral. Supervisor Lindsey Horvath criticized the "cooling room" compromise, arguing that it creates two tiers of housing and forces vulnerable families to share a single cooled room. She requested a sunset date for the exceptions, which Hahn agreed to set in 2032.

Solis described the compromises as “making sausage,” acknowledging the difficult process of lawmaking. Despite initial reservations, she ultimately supported the cooling-room compromise after public input emphasized the need for at least one room of relief.

Barbara Ferrer, director of county Public Health, stressed that the phased approach aims to incentivize compliance and educate landlords rather than enforce through fines. The new regulations represent a significant shift in how heat management is addressed in rental properties, with the goal of improving living conditions for all residents.