Post by High Priestess on Feb 7, 2019 18:01:00 GMT
On another host group, someone had a question about heating requirements for rental units in California. My understanding has been that the heat provided has to be provided via a BUILT IN heating system, eg central heating, electric wall mounted heating, floor heating. Legally, you cannot just provide space heaters or any type of portable heater. That would not be deemed adequate heat, even if the tenant (or guest??) has complete control of the space heater and can have it on all the time, or even if you provide them with 10 space heaters to run at once. The heat has to be built-in.
I don't know about the difference between what's legally required for TENANTS versus what is legally required for GUESTS (eg, those staying less than 30 days).
This has some info
govt.westlaw.com/calregs/Document/I15144E80D45311DEB97CF67CD0B99467?viewType=FullText&originationContext=documenttoc&transitionType=CategoryPageItem&contextData=(sc.Default)
From what's written there, it would seem that if you as the property owner or host do not allow the guest to directly control the heat, you have to have the heat on at 70 degrees minimum, 24 hrs a day! I find that absurd, particularly given the increasing cost of utilities, the issue of waste of natural resources, and the fact that in most instances, people do leave the house during the day, and it would be completely absurd to be required to heat the house to 70 degrees during the day, all day every day, when no one is home. Particularly in areas with very mild climates, like coastal California, where there is hardly any "winter" per se, and where in summer you could pretty much live outdoors comfortably all season long.
The other absurdity here is the fact that the law apparently requires you to heat the unit to 70 degrees at night, all night long, when everyone is asleep. I maintain that it is a profound waste of resources to be heating a building all night long, when you can and should be using blankets and comforters to keep warm. The amount of waste and disrespect for the planet built into this law is shocking.
I don't know about the difference between what's legally required for TENANTS versus what is legally required for GUESTS (eg, those staying less than 30 days).
This has some info
govt.westlaw.com/calregs/Document/I15144E80D45311DEB97CF67CD0B99467?viewType=FullText&originationContext=documenttoc&transitionType=CategoryPageItem&contextData=(sc.Default)
Every dwelling unit and guest room used or offered for rent or lease shall be provided with heating facilities capable of maintaining a minimum room temperature of 70 degrees F at a point three feet above the floor in all habitable rooms, and when the heating facilities are not under the control of the tenant or occupant of the building owner and/or manager, shall be required to provide that heat at a minimum temperature of 70 degrees F, 24 hours a day. These facilities shall be installed and maintained in a safe condition and in accordance with Chapter 37 of the Uniform Building Code, the Uniform Mechanical Code, and other applicable laws. No unvented fuel burning heaters shall be permitted. All heating devices or appliances shall be of the approved type.
From what's written there, it would seem that if you as the property owner or host do not allow the guest to directly control the heat, you have to have the heat on at 70 degrees minimum, 24 hrs a day! I find that absurd, particularly given the increasing cost of utilities, the issue of waste of natural resources, and the fact that in most instances, people do leave the house during the day, and it would be completely absurd to be required to heat the house to 70 degrees during the day, all day every day, when no one is home. Particularly in areas with very mild climates, like coastal California, where there is hardly any "winter" per se, and where in summer you could pretty much live outdoors comfortably all season long.
The other absurdity here is the fact that the law apparently requires you to heat the unit to 70 degrees at night, all night long, when everyone is asleep. I maintain that it is a profound waste of resources to be heating a building all night long, when you can and should be using blankets and comforters to keep warm. The amount of waste and disrespect for the planet built into this law is shocking.