Floor heater broken, can I provide space heaters to tenants?

[Robert Lee]

Hi Guys,

Property is in Los Angeles, CA

The old floor heater has broken in a unit I manage and I was wondering if I could supply the tenants with space heaters for their unit. We are a bit reluctant, but not unwilling, to change out the old floor unit for a double wall unit because, it just does not get that cold in Los Angeles.  

 I'm not even 100% sure if we are legally obligated to fix the heater as it never gets so cold that the house becomes inhabitable.

Any help is appreciated,

Thanks

[Gail K.]

As a general rule a landlord legally is required to provide some source of heat (although, interestingly enough, in many states, there is no requirement for air conditioning).

However,  there is nothing that specifies what source of heat (central versus vent-free gas heaters versus base heaters).  If one source of heat goes out another type can be provided.   Keep in mind, though, that simple portable space heaters are a source of many fires each winter.   

As previously mentioned there are some good wall heaters available.  We've put Panel Heaters (Delonghi) in a rental that had no central heat or air; attached these to the walls with star screws so they wouldn't "walk" when tenants left.   These typically run under $100 on Amazon.

Other options (if you have access to gas) are vent-free infrared heaters with sensors that shut down the unit if oxygen is depleted.  These also can attached to walls.

Gail