CAA Opposes Extreme Heat Bill Over Costly Air Conditioning Mandates

[Sanjeev Advani]

The California Apartment Association (CAA) is urging Governor Gavin Newsom to veto AB 2684, a bill that could lead to expensive air conditioning mandates for rental properties. The bill, introduced by Assemblyman Isaac Bryan (D-Los Angeles), would require local governments to update hazard mitigation plans to address extreme heat by January 1, 2028.

CAA’s concerns center around the potential for costly retrofitting mandates, particularly for older buildings not equipped for modern HVAC systems. “There are other appropriate ways to bring down indoor temperatures, but a building’s electrical system and cost barriers must be taken into consideration,” wrote Debra Carlton, CAA’s executive vice president.

Instead of costly mandates, CAA supports aligning the bill with AB 209, which directs the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to develop practical recommendations for maintaining safe indoor temperatures by 2025.