Covered Los Angeles County hotel employers need to be prepared for a new ordinance taking effect on April 1, 2026, except for the Public Housekeeping Training requirements, which take effect October 1, 2026. As previously reported, Los Angeles County adopted a Hotel Worker Protection Ordinance (HWPO) that increases workplace safety protections, establishes workload limits and requires training for covered hotel employees working in the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County.
The HWPO requires covered hotel employers to provide panic buttons to employees working alone in guest rooms or restrooms. They must also provide annual training on device use and response procedures, ensure a designated onsite responder is always available and maintain records of all device activations. The HWPO also protects employees who experience or report violent or threatening guest conduct by requiring paid time off to file a police report and providing reasonable accommodations when needed.
Additionally, the HWPO limits the number of rooms and the amount of square footage hotel employees can be required to clean in a workday without extra pay. These limits differ depending on hotel size. In addition, covered employees cannot be required to work more than 10 hours in a day unless they give written consent after receiving at least seven days’ notice. Employers must maintain detailed records of rooms cleaned, square footage cleaned, overtime worked and pay.
Starting October 1, 2026, covered employees must complete at least six hours of live, interactive Public Housekeeping Training and pass an exam. The training must cover employee rights under the ordinance, trafficking and violence awareness, disease prevention, pest detection and how to respond to possible criminal activity. Employers must keep records showing compliance with these requirements.
Once the HWPO takes effect, employers must give notice to current employees and new hires, post notices at worksites and place required signage on the back of guest room and restroom doors.
As the April 1 deadline approaches, employers should review the HWPO’s requirements, train managers and prepare to comply.
Vanessa M. Greene, J.D., Employment Law Counsel, CalChamber
CalChamber members can read more about Los Angeles County ordinances in the HR Library, and use the Local Ordinance Wizard to help determine the local ordinances and labor law posters that apply to your business or location(s). Not a member? Learn how to power your business with a CalChamber membership.
