Rent Control in Culver City

Last updated: January 2026

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

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Key Takeaways

  • Coverage: Multi-family residential properties built before February 1, 1995. Single-family and condos exempt.
  • Rent Increase Cap: 3.25% for September 2025 - August 2026 (60% of CPI, max 3% + banking).
  • Just Cause Protection: Required under Culver City Tenant Protection Ordinance with relocation assistance.
  • Local Help: Culver City Housing Division.

1. Overview of Rent Control in Culver City

The City of Culver City has a Permanent Rent Control Ordinance (RCO) and Tenant Protections Ordinance (TPO) that provide rent stabilization and tenant protection for many residential rental units. The ordinances became effective on October 30, 2020.

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 Culver City'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 Culver City Rent Control & Tenant Protection Measures and the Culver City Municipal Code. It is not legal advice.

2. Who Is Covered by Rent Control in Culver City?

Culver City's Permanent Rent Control Ordinance applies to rental units built on or 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.
  • Townhomes – Townhomes are exempt from the ordinance, though they may still be protected under AB 1482.
  • Newer construction – Units with a certificate of occupancy issued 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 on or before February 1, 1995, but we cannot determine this without month-level information.
  • Government-subsidized units – Government-subsidized units are exempt from the ordinance.

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

Annual rent increases for covered rental units are capped at a percentage tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), with a maximum permissible increase.

Current rent increase limits:

  • For increases effective between June 1, 2025, and August 31, 2025: Maximum 3.25%

The maximum allowable rent increase is calculated based on CPI and may change periodically. Landlords must provide proper written notice before implementing a rent increase.

Key rules for rent increases:

  • Landlords must provide proper written notice before implementing a rent increase.
  • Tenants may file a Tenant Petition for Noncompliance if they believe a proposed or actual rent increase is not in compliance with the Rent Control Ordinance or if there has been a reduction in housing services.

4. Just Cause Eviction Protections

Culver City's Tenant Protections Ordinance includes eviction protections that help prevent arbitrary evictions and ensure tenant stability. Landlords must provide valid reasons, as specified in the ordinance, to evict tenants.

The ordinance includes provisions for:

  • Just cause eviction requirements
  • Relocation assistance requirements in certain circumstances
  • Protections for tenants in protected categories

Landlords may use the Eligibility Application to Recover Rental Unit for Landlords or Eligible Relatives form to request possession of an occupied rental unit for themselves or an eligible relative, except when tenants are determined to be in a protected category.

5. Using RentCheckMe with Official Resources

By combining our automated check with trusted resources like the City of Culver City Rent Control & Tenant Protection Measures and the Culver City Municipal Code, you can get both a quick snapshot and deeper, individualized help for your situation.

After you run an address through RentCheckMe, consider:

  • Contacting Bet Tzedek Legal Services for free legal advice (phone: (323) 549-5891, email: CulverCityHousing@BetTzedek.org)
  • Consulting with the City of Culver City Housing and Human Services Department (phone: (310) 253-5790, email: Rent.Control@CulverCity.org)
  • Speaking with a qualified attorney or tenant counseling organization

6. Resources for Culver City Tenants

7. Important Disclaimer

This article is intended as a readable, high‑level overview of rent control in Culver City, drawn from public resources like the City of Culver City Rent Control & Tenant Protection Measures and the Culver City 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 Culver City Housing and Human Services Department (phone: (310) 253-5790, email: Rent.Control@CulverCity.org), Bet Tzedek Legal Services (phone: (323) 549-5891, email: CulverCityHousing@BetTzedek.org), a qualified attorney, or a tenant‑counseling organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Culver City have its own rent control ordinance?

Yes, Culver City 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 Culver City?

For units covered by Culver City'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 Culver City?

Tenants in Culver City 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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