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Cudahy is a small, densely populated city in southeastern Los Angeles County, bordered by Huntington Park, Bell, and South Gate. With a population of roughly 24,000 in just under one square mile, Cudahy is one of the most densely populated cities in California and has a high proportion of renters. Faced with rising rents and displacement pressures felt across the greater Los Angeles region, the Cudahy City Council enacted the City of Cudahy Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO), which took effect on July 7, 2023.
The Cudahy RSO applies to most residential rental units built before February 1, 1995. It limits annual rent increases, establishes just-cause eviction protections, creates a landlord registration requirement, and provides mechanisms for both landlords and tenants to petition for rent adjustments. The ordinance also allows landlords to apply for capital improvement pass-throughs under defined conditions.
For rental units not covered by the local RSO — such as those built after February 1, 1995, single-family homes, or condominiums — California's AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act of 2019) may apply. AB 1482 generally caps rent increases at 5% plus local CPI (maximum 10%) annually and requires just cause for eviction in qualifying units, serving as a statewide backstop where local protections do not reach.
The Cudahy RSO covers most residential rental units that meet all of the following criteria:
The following types of units are exempt from the Cudahy RSO:
If your unit is exempt from the Cudahy RSO, you may still have protections under AB 1482, California's statewide Tenant Protection Act. AB 1482 applies to most residential units built more than 15 years ago that are not otherwise exempt (including most single-family homes and condos not owned by a corporation or REIT). Under AB 1482, annual rent increases are capped at 5% plus local CPI (maximum 10%) and just-cause eviction protections apply.
Under the Cudahy RSO, annual rent increases for covered units are capped at the lesser of the applicable Consumer Price Index (CPI) or 3%. For the period July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, the applicable cap is 3%.
Key rules governing rent increases under the ordinance include:
Rent increases must be preceded by proper written notice: 30 days for increases of 10% or less, 90 days for increases above 10%, consistent with California Civil Code requirements.
The Cudahy RSO requires landlords to have just cause before terminating a covered tenancy. Just-cause reasons are divided into at-fault and no-fault categories.
At-Fault Just Cause (tenant is responsible):
No-Fault Just Cause (tenant is not at fault):
When a landlord terminates a tenancy for a no-fault just cause reason, the tenant is generally entitled to relocation assistance. The amount of relocation assistance and the specific conditions are set by the Cudahy RSO and should be confirmed with the City's Community Development Department at the time of the notice.
Tenants in units exempt from the Cudahy RSO but covered by AB 1482 also have just-cause eviction protections after 12 months of continuous tenancy, with relocation assistance required for no-fault terminations equal to one month's rent.
Annual Registration Requirement: Landlords of covered rental units must register each unit with the City of Cudahy annually. Registration is due by July 1st of each year and must be completed again within 30 days of any change in tenancy or ownership. A landlord who has not registered a unit is prohibited from imposing any rent increase on that unit until registration is completed. This is a significant protection: tenants can challenge a rent increase if their unit was not properly registered at the time the increase was imposed.
Tenant Petition for Rent Adjustment: Tenants who believe their rent has been increased in excess of the allowable cap, or that the landlord has failed to maintain the unit in habitable condition, may file a petition for rent adjustment with the City. The petition process is administered by the City of Cudahy Community Development Department.
Landlord Petition for Fair Return: Landlords who believe the standard rent cap does not allow a fair return on their property investment may petition the City for a higher increase. These petitions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Capital Improvement Pass-Throughs: Landlords may apply to pass through a portion of capital improvement costs to tenants, subject to City review and approval. Pass-throughs are not automatic and must follow the process established by the RSO.
Anti-Harassment Protections: The Cudahy RSO includes provisions protecting tenants from harassment or retaliation by landlords in connection with a tenant's exercise of their rights under the ordinance. Conduct intended to pressure a tenant to vacate — such as disrupting utilities, refusing to make repairs, or threatening tenants — may constitute a violation of the ordinance. Tenants who believe they are being harassed should contact the City's Community Development Department.
How to File a Petition or Complaint: Contact the City of Cudahy Community Development Department by visiting City Hall at 5220 Santa Ana Street, Cudahy, CA 90201, or by calling the City directly. The City's website at cityofcudahy.com provides current contact information, forms, and program updates.
Use RentCheckMe's address checker to look up whether your specific Cudahy address falls under the local RSO or AB 1482 based on property data. Enter your address to get an instant coverage assessment.
The primary resource for Cudahy renters is the City of Cudahy Community Development Department, which administers the RSO, handles registration, and processes tenant and landlord petitions. Visit cityofcudahy.com or go to City Hall at 5220 Santa Ana Street, Cudahy, CA 90201.
Additional resources for Cudahy renters:
This page is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Rent control laws, ordinance provisions, and applicable rent caps change frequently. The information on this page reflects our best understanding as of the date listed and may not reflect recent amendments or City determinations. Renters and landlords should contact the City of Cudahy Community Development Department or a qualified legal aid organization for advice specific to their situation.
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