How Does Rent Control
Work for Tenants in Los Angeles?
Navigating the housing landscape in Los Angeles as a tenant can feel overwhelming, especially with rising rents across the city. Rent control measures, such as the Los Angeles Municipal Code Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO), aim to address these challenges by regulating rent increases and providing additional legal protections for tenants. Here’s everything you need to know about how rent control works for tenants in Los Angeles.
Rent control refers to local or state-implemented regulations that limit how much and how often a landlord can increase rent. The goal is to prevent excessive rent hikes that make housing unaffordable and protect tenants from sudden evictions for unjust reasons. This is especially relevant in Los Angeles, where rent costs are among the highest in the nation.
The RSO applies to rental properties in Los Angeles built on or before October 1, 1978, as well as certain replacement units. If your rental falls under the RSO, you are entitled to key protections, including:
- Caps on Rent Increases: Landlords can only raise rent by the allowable RSO percentage annually, typically tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Learn about the most up-to-date allowable rent hikes on the Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD) RSO Overview.
Tenant Petition Process: A rent-controlled tenant can file a Complaint with the Los Angeles Housing Department based on a landlord’s violation of their rights, including:
- Illegal rent increases;
- Unregistered unit status (landlords are required to register units subject to the RSO);
- A reduction in housing services (such as removal of parking rights or storage access); and
- Illegal attempts by the landlord/property management to engage in buyout negotiations.
Tenant Rights Resources: The Los Angeles Housing Department offers free resources to inform tenants about their rights and how to resolve disputes with landlords.
Many properties are exempt from the rent control provisions of the RSO. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
● Single-family homes, condos, and townhomes (with limited exception).
● Units located in a structure for which the first Certificate of Occupancy was issued after October 1, 1978.
● Government-owned low-income housing.
Beyond rent caps, the Los Angeles Municipal Code provides many other tenant rights, including:
● No Discrimination: Landlords must treat all tenants equally regardless of race, gender, familial status, or disability.
● Repairs and Habitability: You have the right to a safe, livable home. Major issues such as mold, broken plumbing, or a lack of heat must be addressed promptly.
If you’re experiencing these problems, you don’t have to handle them alone. The Rent Stabilization Ordinance Overview provides further guidance on how to report violations.
If your landlord violates Los Angeles’s rent control or eviction protection laws—or engages in certain types of harassment or unlawful behavior—you may be entitled to the following legal remedies:
● Treble Damages: Under California Civil Code § 1940.2 (for covered tenants), tenants can recover up to three times actual damages if the landlord’s conduct is willful, such as harassment, illegal eviction attempts, or utility shutoffs. Local city ordinances may permit greater or lesser damages, for covered tenants.
● Compensatory Damages: This includes financial losses (e.g., rent overcharges, relocation expenses) and emotional distress, especially in cases involving harassment, unsafe living conditions, or sudden displacement.
● Attorney’s Fees: Tenants who prevail in court may be awarded their legal fees, making it easier to pursue justice.
● Injunctive Relief: Courts can order landlords to stop unlawful actions and comply with local housing protections.
These remedies are designed to protect renters and hold landlords accountable for violating tenant rights.
If your unit does not qualify under Los Angeles’ RSO, you may be covered by the California Tenant Protection Act of 2019, which caps rent increases at 5% plus CPI or 10%, whichever is less, and provides just cause eviction protections for certain properties.
Learn more about your rights by visiting our California Tenant Protection Act of 2019 guide.
Need Help Navigating Your Rights?
If you’re facing a rent increase, illegal eviction, landlord harassment, or other landlord-tenant issues, Tenant Law Group is ready to support you. As California’s leading tenant rights law firm, we specialize in defending renters and ensuring their rights are upheld. Protect your housing rights with expert guidance. Contact us today for a free case evaluation to learn more about your tenant rights in Los Angeles.
Disclaimer: This page provides general information about landlord-tenant laws in California and is not intended as legal advice. We encourage you to consult with a qualified tenant attorney or local tenant advocacy organization for guidance specific to your situation.
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