All rental housing units in unincorporated parts of Los Angeles County will soon be required to have a maximum indoor temperature of 82 degrees under an ordinance approved by the Board of Supervisors Tuesday.

"The proposed ordinance will enhance and strengthen the health and safety of occupants residing in rental housing units by ensuring indoor temperatures do not reach levels that are dangerous to health," according to a letter sent to the board by the county Department of Public Health.

The ordinance will also require landlords to allow tenants to install portable cooling devices -- such as air-conditioning units or fans -- or other "non-mechanical cooling methods" -- such as blackout curtains -- to control the temperature in their units. That requirement is expected to take effect in

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