How Does Rent Control Work for Tenants in Bell Gardens, California? 

By Paul M. Collins, Esq.

Finding safe and affordable housing in Bell Gardens can be challenging, but many tenants will find they are protected under the city’s Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO). This law helps prevent excessive rent increases and unfair evictions, ensuring that renters can remain in their homes without fear of sudden displacement. Understanding your rights as a tenant is crucial to protecting yourself from unlawful rent hikes or wrongful evictions. In this guide, we’ll break down how rent control works in Bell Gardens, what tenants are and are not covered, and what to do if your landlord violates the law. If you need legal support, Tenant Law Group is here to help. 

Limits on Rent Increases 

Rent stabilization in Bell Gardens limits how much landlords can raise rent each year to prevent drastic and unaffordable increases. 

  • Landlords can only raise rent once per year. 
  • The increase is capped at 4% or 50% of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is lower. 
  • A landlord may impose an annual rent increase only if they register the rental unit with the city, pay any required annual registration fees, and otherwise maintain compliance with state and local laws and requirements. 

This ensures that tenants are not suddenly priced out of their homes due to unexpected rent spikes. 

For more self-help information on rent increase regulations, visit: 
https://www.bellgardens.org/home/showpublisheddocument/14168/637704513066370000 

Just Cause Eviction Protections 

Landlords in Bell Gardens must have a legally valid reason to evict a tenant. These “just cause” reasons primarily include, but are not limited to, the following: 

✔ Nonpayment of rent 
✔ Breach of lease terms 
✔ Causing significant property damage or nuisance 
✔ Landlord or an immediate family member moving into the unit 

This means that tenants cannot be evicted for arbitrary reasons, such as a landlord wanting to raise the rent for a new tenant. If you receive an eviction notice, it is crucial to review your rights before taking any action and, if you have the resources and time, contact an attorney for legal advice.  

For more self-help information on eviction protections, visit: 
https://www.codepublishing.com/CA/BellGardens/html/BellGardens05/BellGardens0562.html#5.62.070 

Relocation Assistance for No-Fault Evictions 

If a tenant is forced to move through no fault of their own, landlords are required to provide financial assistance to help cover moving costs. This includes: 

  • Three months’ rent at the tenant’s monthly rent that is in effect when the landlord served the notice to terminate the tenancy. 
  • Additional moving stipend, which may vary based on household size and circumstances. 

This requirement ensures that tenants are not left financially vulnerable when displaced through no fault of their own. 

For more self-help information on relocation assistance, visit: 
https://www.codepublishing.com/CA/BellGardens/html/BellGardens05/BellGardens0562.html#5.62.080 

Who is Covered by Rent Control? 

Not all rental units in Bell Gardens are covered under the RSO. The following types of properties are exempt: 

  • Single-family homes and condominiums 
  • New buildings first occupied after February 1, 1995 
  • Government-subsidized housing units 
  • Owner-occupied properties with three or fewer rental units 

If you’re unsure whether your unit qualifies for rent control protections, reviewing the ordinance or consulting a tenant rights attorney can help clarify your situation. 

For a full list of exemptions, visit: 
https://www.codepublishing.com/CA/BellGardens/html/BellGardens05/BellGardens0562.html#5.62.050 

What to Do If Your Landlord Violates the Law 

If your landlord increases rent beyond the legal limit, attempts to evict you without just cause, or fails to provide required relocation assistance, you have options: 

  • Document Everything – Keep records of all notices, emails, lease agreements, and rent payment receipts. 
  • Know Your Rights – Review Bell Gardens’ rent control laws to determine if your landlord is following the rules. 
  • Get Legal Help – If you believe your rights have been violated, seeking assistance from a tenant rights attorney can help you take the necessary steps to protect yourself. 

At Tenant Law Group, we specialize in helping renters fight illegal rent increases, wrongful evictions, and other tenant rights violations. 

Need assistance? Visit https://www.tenantlawgroupsf.com/get-started to find out how we can support you. 

Rent control exists to protect tenants from housing instability. If you are facing issues with your landlord, you don’t have to handle it alone—reach out today for expert guidance and legal assistance.