How Does Rent Control
Work for Tenants in Inglewood?
Navigating the rental market in Inglewood can feel overwhelming—but you’re not alone. The City’s Housing Protection Department enforces strong tenant protections under Articles 8-9 and 8-10 of the Inglewood Municipal Code, which regulate rent increases and evictions.
This guide explains what tenants need to know, including whether their rental unit is covered by rent control, how much a landlord is legally allowed to raise the rent, when an eviction is considered lawful, what kind of relocation assistance tenants are entitled to, and what legal obligations landlords must follow.
Most multi-unit buildings are covered by rent control, while certain units are exempt:
Exempt from rent-cap: including, but not limited to, owner-occupied single-family homes and condominiums (so long as no more than one room is rented out and the below notices are provided); owner-occupied duplexes; units for which a certificate of occupancy was issued within the past 15 years; dormitories; care facilities; nonprofit-operated housing; and units restricted for low- or moderate-income occupancy.
Single-family homes and condos may also opt out of local protections under the following circumstances:
- ● All owners are natural persons; and
- ● The tenants have been provided written notice that the rental unit is exempt from this Article using the following statement: “This property is not subject to the rent limits imposed by Section 8-127 of the Inglewood Municipal Code and is not subject to the rent regulations of Chapter 8, Article 10 of the Inglewood Municipal Code. This property meets the requirements of Section 8-125(k)(6).”; and
- ● For a tenancy existing before June 1, 2021, the notice required in the above paragraph must be provided as an addendum to the rental agreement. For any tenancy commenced or renewed on or after June 1, 2021, the notice required in the above paragraph must be provided in the rental agreement.
Under the Allowable Rent Increases rules:
- Buildings with five or more units: up to 3 percent or the Consumer Price Index change (whichever is greater) in a 12-month period.
- Buildings with four or fewer units: up to 5 percent plus the Consumer Price Index change in a 12-month period.
- No increase may exceed 10 percent in any year.
- New April CPI figures are published each May.
If a unit’s current rent is below 80 percent of the county’s Fair Market Rent, owners may—upon approval—add:
- 5 percent (for five-plus-unit properties), or
- 2 percent (for four-unit-or-fewer properties),
not to exceed the 10 percent cap.
After 12 months of continuous occupancy, landlords may terminate certain (not all) covered tenancies only for “just cause” under Article 8-9 of the Inglewood Municipal Code.
- At-fault reasons: including, but not limited to, non-payment of rent; material lease violations; nuisance or illegal activity.
- No-fault reasons: including owner or family move-in; substantial rehabilitation; demolition; withdrawal from the rental market; compliance with a government order.
For no-fault evictions, Inglewood requires base relocation assistance equal to three times the monthly rent, plus $2,000 if minors reside in the unit. Additional payments apply based on length of tenancy and tenant status.
Landlords must follow two key rules when raising rent:
- 30-Day Written Notice: A written Notice of Change in Terms must be served before any rent increase.
- City Registration: All rent increases must be reported in the Inglewood Residential Registry System after notice is served.
If your landlord violates Inglewood’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 Inglewood’s rent control or eviction protection laws, 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 Inglewood.
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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