Rent Control in Bell Gardens

Last updated: January 2026

Local rent control plus California's AB 1482 tenant protections.

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Key Takeaways

  • Coverage: Multi-family properties (2+ units) built before February 1995. Single-family and condos exempt.
  • Rent Increase Cap: 4% maximum per 12-month period.
  • Just Cause Protection: Required under Bell Gardens Rent Stabilization Ordinance.
  • Local Help: City of Bell Gardens.

1. Overview of Rent Control in Bell Gardens

The City of Bell Gardens has a Rent Stabilization and Tenant Eviction Protections Ordinance (RSTEP) No. 925 that provides rent stabilization and tenant protection for many residential rental units. The ordinance became effective on October 12, 2022.

Important Note: Bell Gardens is an independent city within Los Angeles County, separate from the City of Los Angeles. Each city has its own rent control ordinances that apply exclusively within their respective municipal boundaries. Properties in Bell Gardens are subject to Bell Gardens's RSTEP ordinance, not the City of Los Angeles's rent control laws.

Since January 1, 2020, California's statewide rent law (often called state rent control or AB 1482) also protects many units that are not covered by Bell Gardens's local ordinance. For those units, annual rent increases are generally capped at 5% + inflation (CPI), or 10%, whichever is lower, for tenants who have lived in the unit for at least 12 months.

This article is a high‑level guide based on public resources such as the City of Bell Gardens Community Development Department and the Bell Gardens Municipal Code (Chapters 5.62 and 5.63). It is not legal advice.

2. Who Is Covered by Rent Control in Bell Gardens?

Bell Gardens's Rent Stabilization and Tenant Eviction Protections Ordinance applies to dwelling units with a certificate of occupancy issued before February 1, 1995. However, there are several important exceptions:

  • Single-family homes – Single-family homes are exempt from the ordinance, though they may still be protected under California's statewide Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482).
  • Condominiums – Condominiums are exempt from the ordinance, though they may still be protected under AB 1482.
  • Townhouses – Townhouses are exempt from the ordinance, though they may still be protected under AB 1482.
  • Owner-occupied properties – Properties with no more than three rental units where the owner has occupied one unit as their primary residence since the beginning of the tenancy are exempt.
  • Newer construction – Units with a certificate of occupancy issued on or after February 1, 1995 are exempt from the ordinance, though they may still be protected under AB 1482. Note: Since we only have year-level data, properties built in 1995 may be covered if built before February 1, 1995, but we cannot determine this without month-level information.

Tools like RentCheckMe can help you check whether your building is likely covered based on its construction year and property type.

3. Maximum Allowable Rent Increases

Under Bell Gardens's Rent Stabilization and Tenant Eviction Protections Ordinance, landlords are permitted to raise rent once every 12 months, with the increase capped at the lesser of 50% of the change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or 4%.

As of the ordinance's enactment, the allowable annual increase was 1.95%. The specific percentage may change each year based on the CPI calculation.

Key rules for rent increases:

  • Landlords may increase rent no more than once in any 12-month period.
  • The rent increase is capped at the lesser of 50% of CPI or 4%.
  • Property owners must provide proper written notice before implementing a rent increase.

4. Just Cause Eviction Protections

Bell Gardens's ordinance establishes just cause for eviction protections. Landlords must provide a valid reason, as specified in the ordinance, to evict tenants. This helps prevent arbitrary evictions and ensures tenant stability.

The ordinance distinguishes between "at-fault" and "no-fault" evictions, with different requirements and protections for each category.

5. Using RentCheckMe with Official Resources

By combining our automated check with trusted resources like the City of Bell Gardens Community Development Department and the Bell Gardens Municipal Code (Chapters 5.62 and 5.63), you can get both a quick snapshot and deeper, individualized help for your situation.

After you run an address through RentCheckMe, consider saving the result and bringing it with you if you contact the City of Bell Gardens Community Development Department or consult with a tenant counselor or attorney—they can help you interpret how the Rent Stabilization and Tenant Eviction Protections Ordinance and state law apply to your specific tenancy.

6. Resources for Bell Gardens Tenants

7. Important Disclaimer

This article is intended as a readable, high‑level overview of rent control in Bell Gardens, drawn from public resources like the City of Bell Gardens Community Development Department and the Bell Gardens Municipal Code. It does not cover every exception or nuance and does not constitute legal advice.

Laws change, and how they apply can depend on the specific facts of your tenancy. For binding guidance about your rights or obligations, speak with the City of Bell Gardens Community Development Department, a qualified attorney, or a tenant‑counseling organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Bell Gardens have its own rent control ordinance?

Yes, Bell Gardens has a local rent control ordinance that provides protections beyond California's statewide AB 1482. The local ordinance typically covers more properties and may have stricter rent increase limits.

How much can my landlord raise rent in Bell Gardens?

For units covered by Bell Gardens's local ordinance, rent increases are limited by the local rules (often based on CPI). For units only covered by AB 1482, the cap is 5% + CPI or 10%, whichever is lower.

What protections do I have as a tenant in Bell Gardens?

Tenants in Bell Gardens may have just cause eviction protections under both the local ordinance and AB 1482, meaning landlords must have a valid legal reason to evict you after you've lived in the unit for a certain period.

Other Cities in California

Learn about rent control in other cities in California:

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