The Los Angeles City Council has introduced a proposal to establish a maximum indoor temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit for all rental housing units in the city.

The motion, modeled after a recently adopted Los Angeles County ordinance, directs city officials to draft an ordinance and explore incentive programs to help achieve compliance.

The California Apartment Association shares the goal of protecting residents from dangerous heat but has raised significant concerns with the County’s approach, which now serves as the model for the city. In letters submitted to the Board of Supervisors in 2024 and 2025, CAA called for comprehensive study and a phased compliance plan.

Fred Sutton

“The county’s action was not supported by their own studies. Rental housing providers are being asked to retrofit buildings that were constructed to earlier code standards, without the necessary planning, support or infrastructure in place,” said Fred Sutton, senior vice president of public affairs for CAA. “The city cannot follow the county blindly and must thoroughly analyze the issue”

Key concerns raised by CAA include:

  • Infrastructure limitations in older buildings that lack sufficient electrical capacity for modern cooling systems.
  • Housing affordability risks from costly retrofits and rising utility expenses.
  • Need for phased compliance, starting with one cooled habitable room as recommended in the RAND report.
  • Clear enforcement standards, including how violations are measured and defining resident responsibilities.

The L.A. city motion has been referred to the energy and environment committee, where it awaits a hearing.

“CAA will continue to work with policymakers as the item progresses and will keep you updated,” Sutton added.