In Los Angeles, rent control ordinances regulate how much landlords can increase rent. For units subject to rent control, annual rent increases are limited to a certain percentage, which is set by the city’s Rent Stabilization Ordinance. If a landlord wants to raise rent beyond the allowed amount, they must file a petition with the Los Angeles Housing Department for an exemption. Renters who believe their landlord has raised their rent illegally can file a complaint with the Housing Department. Additionally, other California state laws and local ordinances may also place restrictions on rent increases. If you have questions about the rent control laws in Los Angeles or believe your landlord has violated them, it’s a good idea to consult with the local housing authorities or seek legal advice.
Rent Control Laws in Los Angeles
Rent control in Los Angeles is governed by several local ordinances that set limits on how much landlords can increase rent for residential units.
Rent Stabilization Ordinance
- The Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) applies to residential units in buildings constructed before October 1, 1978, with five or more units.
- Under the RSO, landlords can increase rent once a year by a maximum of 3% plus the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
- Landlords must provide tenants with 60 days’ notice of any rent increase.
Just Cause Eviction Ordinance
- The Just Cause Eviction Ordinance (JCEO) prohibits landlords from evicting tenants without a “just cause,” such as nonpayment of rent, violating the lease, or causing a nuisance.
- The JCEO applies to all residential units, regardless of the age of the building or the number of units.
Ellis Act
- The Ellis Act allows landlords to evict tenants in order to withdraw the property from the rental market.
- Landlords must provide tenants with 120 days’ notice of an Ellis Act eviction.
- Ellis Act evictions are not subject to the RSO or the JCEO.
The following table summarizes the key provisions of the Rent Stabilization Ordinance, the Just Cause Eviction Ordinance, and the Ellis Act:
| Law | Applies to | Rent Increase Limit | Notice Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent Stabilization Ordinance | Residential units in buildings constructed before October 1, 1978, with five or more units | 3% plus CPI | 60 days |
| Just Cause Eviction Ordinance | All residential units | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Ellis Act | All residential units | Not applicable | 120 days |
Tenants who believe that their landlord has violated the RSO, the JCEO, or the Ellis Act can file a complaint with the Los Angeles Housing Department.
Just Cause Eviction Protections
In Los Angeles, there are several just cause eviction protections in place that restrict a landlord’s ability to raise rent. These protections apply to residential properties, including apartments, condominiums, and single-family homes.
- No Rent Increases During the Lease Term: Once a lease agreement is signed, the landlord cannot increase the rent until the end of the lease term, regardless of local rent control laws.
- Limits on Annual Rent Increases: After the lease term expires, the landlord can increase the rent, but the amount of the increase is limited by local rent control laws. In Los Angeles, the annual rent increase is capped at 3% plus the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
- Just Cause Evictions: A landlord can only evict a tenant for specific reasons, such as non-payment of rent, lease violations, or causing damage to the property. Rent increases cannot be used as a reason for eviction.
Tenants who believe their landlord has violated these just cause eviction protections can file a complaint with the Los Angeles Housing Authority. The Housing Authority can investigate the complaint and take action against the landlord, including issuing fines or ordering the landlord to stop the eviction.
| Year | Rent Increase Cap |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 3% + CPI (5.6%) |
| 2024 | 3% + CPI |
| 2025 | 3% + CPI |
Annual Rent Increases
In Los Angeles, landlords are allowed to raise the rent once a year. The maximum increase is set by the Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO). The RSO applies to all rental units in the city of Los Angeles that were built before October 1, 1978, and have not been exempted from the ordinance.
The RSO limits the annual rent increase to a percentage of the current rent. The percentage is based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures the change in the cost of goods and services over time. The CPI is calculated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- In January of each year, the Rent Control Board determines the maximum allowable rent increase for the coming year.
- The maximum allowable rent increase is based on the CPI for the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim area.
- The CPI is calculated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The following table shows the maximum allowable rent increases for the past five years:
| Year | Maximum Allowable Rent Increase |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 5.0% |
| 2022 | 3.3% |
| 2021 | 1.2% |
| 2020 | 3.0% |
| 2019 | 4.2% |
Landlords are required to give tenants written notice of any rent increase at least 60 days before the increase takes effect. The notice must include the following information:
- The amount of the rent increase
- The date the rent increase will take effect
- The maximum allowable rent increase for the year
- The CPI for the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim area
Tenants who believe that their landlord has raised the rent illegally can file a complaint with the Rent Control Board.
Rent Increase Notices
In Los Angeles, landlords are required to provide tenants with a written notice of any rent increase. The notice must be delivered to the tenant at least 30 days before the rent increase is effective. The notice must include the following information:
- The amount of the rent increase
- The date the rent increase will be effective
- A statement that the tenant has the right to object to the rent increase
- The address and phone number of the landlord or the landlord’s agent
The tenant has a right to object to the rent increase by filing a petition with the Los Angeles Housing Department. The petition must be filed within 15 days of the date the tenant received the notice of rent increase. The petition must include the following information:
- The tenant’s name and address
- The address of the rental unit
- The amount of the rent increase
- The date the rent increase will be effective
- A statement that the tenant objects to the rent increase
- A statement of the facts supporting the tenant’s objection
Rent Increase Limits
In Los Angeles, rent increases are limited by the Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO). The RSO applies to all rental units in the city that are not exempt from the ordinance.
The RSO limits the annual rent increase for units subject to the ordinance to the following:
| Year | Rent Increase Limit |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 3% |
| 2024 | 3% |
| 2025 | 3% |
The RSO also prohibits landlords from increasing the rent more than once per year.
Landlords who violate the RSO may be subject to penalties, including fines and civil penalties.
There you have it, folks! That’s all you need to know about rent increases in Los Angeles. I know, I know, it’s a lot to take in. But remember, knowledge is power. The more you know about your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, the better equipped you’ll be to deal with any rent increase situation that comes your way.
If you’re still feeling a bit confused, don’t worry. I’ve included a link to some helpful resources at the end of this article. You can also visit the Los Angeles Housing Department website or call their hotline at (213) 485-3650 for more information.
Thanks for reading! Be sure to check back later for more updates on this and other important housing issues in Los Angeles. In the meantime, if you have any questions or comments, feel free to drop me a line. I’m always happy to help.