Am I covered?

The County rule doesn't apply

• WhyThe County rule covers unincorporated areas. A city is covered only if it has adopted the entire ordinance into its own code. We haven't confirmed which cities have, so ask your city or check its code.
• Other protectionsCalifornia's tenant and housing laws still apply to your home. For a specific situation, a local tenant organization or an attorney can advise you.

The rule covers your home

1. NowYou can add your own cooling at your own cost: a portable device, blackout curtains, window film, or shades. A portable electric fan needs no notice.
2. 5 daysFor a portable cooling device, give your landlord 5 calendar days of advance notice, in writing or electronically.
3. Jan 1, 2027Enforcement can start on this date, or when the County approves the related fee, whichever is later.

• The standardA maximum of 82°F in all habitable rooms, measured 3 feet above the floor in the center of the room.
• No retaliationYour landlord can't retaliate against or harass you for using these rights.
• ComplaintsThe County's Rental Housing Habitability Program investigates, starting with an education first approach.

Write your 5 day notice

You get the longer timeline

1. Jan 1, 2027At least one habitable room must be able to stay at or below 82°F.
2. Jan 1, 2032All habitable rooms must.

• EnforcementStarts January 1, 2027, or when the County approves the related fee, whichever is later.
• ExtensionsIf you can't comply with portable or non mechanical cooling, you can apply in writing for up to two more years beyond January 1, 2027.
• Tenants' rightsTenants can install their own portable cooling after 5 calendar days of notice. You can't retaliate against them for it.

All habitable rooms

• The standardEvery rental unit must be able to stay at or below 82°F in all habitable rooms, measured 3 feet above the floor in the center of the room. You provide a safe, code compliant way to do it.
• EnforcementStarts January 1, 2027, or when the County approves the related fee, whichever is later.
• Where to startThe County encourages passive measures first, such as fans, shades, window coverings, and insulation. If those can't hold 82°F, mechanical cooling may be required.
• ExtensionsIf you can't comply with portable or non mechanical cooling, you can apply in writing for up to two more years beyond January 1, 2027.
• Tenants' rightsTenants can install their own portable cooling after 5 calendar days of notice. You can't retaliate against them for it.