Landlords in Los Angeles County could soon be required to ensure their tenants are able to stay cool on hot days.
On Tuesday, supervisors approved an ordinance that begins the process of gathering public comment and input from stakeholders on the issue.
Supervisor Kathryn Barger cast the only no vote.
The proposal calls for a “maximum indoor temperature threshold” for rental units and requires that all rental housing be “cooling ready” so tenants can add their own air conditioning systems.
What that temperature threshold should be is still undetermined.
In Palm Springs, air conditioning has been required since 2018 and the city set a maximum temperature of 80 degrees. Phoenix and Las Vegas have similar ordinances.
“Extreme heat is the deadliest climate risk facing Los Angeles County,” said supervisors Hilda Solis and Lindsey Horvath in their motion. “In units where air conditioning is not provided by the landlord, tenants should be able to install air conditioning without fear of eviction or retaliation … The proposed ordinance should enshrine tenants with a right to responsibly and safely further cool their dwellings at their own cost.”
The supervisors cite government data showing 599 Californians died from heat-related illness from 2010 to 2019, and projections that extreme heat could kill up to 4,300 people annually by 2025.
Landlords and property owners are naturally concerned about the proposed mandate.
In a letter to supervisors, the California Apartment Association warned of the potential cost burden and the unintended impact on tenants.
“The types of upgrades discussed in the motion potentially require significant capital expenditure, building rehabilitation and will have a financial impact on residents,” wrote Fred Sutton, the Association’s senior vice president of local public affairs, who argues the proposed ordinance is being rushed without adequate analysis.
The Board of Supervisors has directed the county to gather input and provide a report within 120 days.
In an interview with KNX News on Wednesday morning, Barger explained her no vote.
“All of us agree that costs are going up, and they’re going up for landlords as well. We’re holding them responsible for maintenance on their facilities and this is just another burden – another cost on them,” Barger said.
Barger argues the air conditioning ordinance would likely force smaller landlords to sell to corporations: a trend, she says, that is happening statewide.
“My biggest fear is that the mom and pops are going to be disproportionally impacted and, in the end, it’s not going to serve the people who are renting because the costs are going to go up,” said Barger.