Hot days are increasing, and starting January 1, 2027, a new residential indoor air temperature ordinance will be in place. Landlords in unincorporated Los Angeles County will be required to provide cooling in rental units. All habitable rental units must maintain indoor temperatures of no more than 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Smaller property landlords (10 or fewer units) have a few more years to meet this mandate (2032).
Many rental units in LA County may not already have air conditioning or use aging systems. California housing law has traditionally focused on protecting tenants from the cold, and now LA County is implementing this ordinance to safeguard renters from heat risks. Similar policies may soon move into place in other areas.
Now is the time to talk to customers about cooling options, especially multi-unit rental property owners and those looking to replace old furnaces or install more energy-efficient solutions.
First, learn about a customer's property, their needs, and plans for updating or remodeling. Then consider recommending solutions that:
- Meet the new cooling standards
- Offer both heating and air conditioning
- Help lower utility bills
Hirsch’s knowledgeable HVAC professionals are ready to walk through the options, including systems that deliver both cooling and heating and provide additional value.
Among the options are high-efficiency mini-splits. These low-profile ductless HVAC systems have both cooling and heating capabilities and are energy-efficient solutions ideal for small spaces such as apartments, condos, single rooms, or locations where extending ductwork is not practical.
Heat pumps are another option that provide two appliances in one, as they can heat and cool a home while running pump can reduce energy bills and help protect against extreme weather and periods of high energy demand.
See the heat pump systems available at Hirsch.
The Hirsch team can also support contractors with details on available rebates, the latest product promotions, and financing programs.
Stop into any Hirsch branch and talk to a salesperson about the best cooling and HVAC systems to help customers keep properties cool, efficient, up-to-date, and ready to meet new guidelines.
View the January 1, 2027, Los Angeles County Code establishing a maximum indoor temperature threshold for rental housing units here .