CA AB2616

Landlords must provide a method to maintain rental dwelling units at a maximum indoor temperature of 82°F or below using nonmechanical cooling methods, with landlords and tenants able to mutually agree to mechanical cooling methods by January 1, 2030

Landlords are required to allow tenants to install portable cooling devices (portable air conditioners, evaporative coolers, window units) or nonmechanical methods (blackout curtains, window films) at the tenant's own expense, provided the tenant gives 5 calendar days written notice

Landlords cannot pass through to tenants the cost of providing required cooling methods, and must properly dispose of refrigerants when replacing air conditioning units per State Air Resources Board regulations

The Department of Housing and Community Development must create a free website by June 30, 2027 offering technical assistance for landlords and tenants to comply with these indoor temperature requirements

These provisions apply only to leases entered into, amended, or extended on or after January 1, 2028, with indoor temperature measured at 3 feet above floor level in the center of the dwelling unit