Rent Control in Los Angeles

Last updated: January 2026

Los Angeles has the Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) providing strong protections for many rental units, plus California's AB 1482 for units not covered locally.

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Key Takeaways

  • Coverage: Rental units built on or before October 1, 1978 (includes condos, townhomes, duplexes, ADUs, single-family if rented). Replacement units after July 15, 2007 also covered.
  • Rent Increase Cap: 1-4% annually or 90% of CPI, whichever is lower. Utility surcharges eliminated. 10% increase for adding dependents prohibited.
  • Just Cause Protection: Required under LA RSO with Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance (TAHO) protections.
  • Local Help: LA Housing Department. Verify via ZIMAS or text "RSO" to 1-855-880-7368.

1. Overview of Rent Control in Los Angeles

The City of Los Angeles has a Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) that provides rent stabilization and tenant protection for many residential rental units. The RSO has been in place for over four decades and was recently updated to provide enhanced protections for tenants and modernize regulations.

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 Los Angeles'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 Los Angeles Housing Department and the Los Angeles Municipal Code. It is not legal advice.

2. Who Is Covered by Rent Control in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles's Rent Stabilization Ordinance applies to rental units built on or before October 1, 1978. Additionally, units constructed after July 15, 2007, that replace demolished RSO rental units may also be covered under the RSO.

Unlike many other California cities, Los Angeles RSO applies to a wide variety of property types, including:

  • Apartments
  • Condominiums
  • Townhomes
  • Duplexes
  • Accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
  • Junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs)
  • Multiple single-family dwellings on the same parcel
  • Single-family homes (if used as rental properties)
  • Rooms in hotels, motels, rooming houses, or boarding houses occupied by the same tenant for 30 or more consecutive days
  • Residential units attached to commercial buildings

Exemptions include:

  • Single-family homes not used as rental properties
  • New constructions that do not replace demolished RSO units
  • Units in hotels, motels, rooming houses, or boarding houses occupied by the same tenant for less than 30 consecutive days

Note: Since we only have year-level data, properties built in 1978 may be covered if built on or before October 1, 1978, 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. To verify the exact RSO status of a specific property, you can visit zimas.lacity.org, enter the property address, and check the "Housing" section for RSO status. You can also text "RSO" to 1-855-880-7368 for property-specific information.

3. Maximum Allowable Rent Increases

The Los Angeles RSO caps annual rent increases at a minimum of 1% and a maximum of 4%, or 90% of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is lower. This change aims to make rent increases more predictable and reduce the financial burden on tenants.

Key rules for rent increases:

  • The annual rent increase is calculated based on the lower of: 4% or 90% of CPI, with a minimum of 1%.
  • Landlords must provide proper written notice before implementing a rent increase.
  • The RSO Rent Increase Calculator can help both tenants and landlords determine the allowable rent increase.

Recent changes:

  • Utility surcharges eliminated: The previous additional 1% to 2% utility surcharge for gas and electricity has been eliminated.
  • Additional occupants: The ordinance prohibits the 10% rent increase that was previously allowed when tenants added dependents to their household.

4. Just Cause Eviction Protections

Los Angeles's RSO includes 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 specifies both "at-fault" and "no-fault" just cause reasons for eviction, with different requirements and protections for each category.

5. Local Rules and Special Protections

Tenant Anti-Harassment Protections

The City of Los Angeles has implemented the Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance (TAHO), effective August 6, 2021. This ordinance prohibits landlords from engaging in behaviors that harass tenants.

Prohibited behaviors include:

  • Removing housing services
  • Withholding repairs
  • Refusing to accept rent payments
  • Other actions that interfere with a tenant's rights

Amendments effective December 29, 2024 have further strengthened tenant protections, including mandatory damages for prevailing parties in civil actions.

6. Using RentCheckMe with Official Resources

By combining our automated check with trusted resources like the Los Angeles Housing Department, the ZIMAS property information system, and the Los Angeles Municipal Code, you can get both a quick snapshot and deeper, individualized help for your situation.

After you run an address through RentCheckMe, consider:

  • Verifying the exact RSO status using ZIMAS or by texting "RSO" to 1-855-880-7368
  • Using the RSO Rent Increase Calculator to determine allowable rent increases
  • Contacting the Los Angeles Housing Department or consulting with a tenant counselor or attorney for specific guidance

7. Resources for Los Angeles Tenants

8. Important Disclaimer

This article is intended as a readable, high‑level overview of rent control in Los Angeles, drawn from public resources like the Los Angeles Housing Department and the Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles Housing Department, a qualified attorney, or a tenant‑counseling organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the rent increase cap in Los Angeles?

For RSO-covered units, annual rent increases are generally limited to between 1% and 4%, or 90% of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is lower. For units only covered by state law (AB 1482), the cap is 5% + CPI or 10%, whichever is lower.

How do I know if my building is covered by LA's RSO?

Most rental units built on or before October 1, 1978 are covered by the RSO. You can verify your building's status using the ZIMAS property information system at zimas.lacity.org, or by texting 'RSO' to 1-855-880-7368. RentCheckMe can also provide an automated estimate based on construction year.

What is the Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance (TAHO)?

TAHO is a Los Angeles ordinance that prohibits landlords from engaging in behaviors that harass tenants, such as removing housing services, withholding repairs, or refusing to accept rent payments. It was effective August 6, 2021 and was strengthened with amendments effective December 29, 2024.

Other Cities in California

Learn about rent control in other cities in California:

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