West Hollywood's Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO), in effect since 1985, protects tenants in older multi-family housing with rent caps, just-cause eviction rules, and maintenance standards. Units not covered by the RSO may still receive protections under California's AB 1482.·Updated May 2026
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Key Takeaways
Multi-family units (2+ units) built before July 1, 1979. Some pre-1979 single-family homes and condos are covered if tenancy began before January 1, 1996.
Annual General Adjustment (AGA) capped at 3% per year; 2.25% for September 1, 2025 through August 31, 2026.
Just-cause eviction protections apply to all RSO-covered units; no-fault evictions require relocation assistance.
West Hollywood Rent Stabilization Commission — www.weho.org/rent
West Hollywood, an independent city in the Los Angeles Metro area incorporated in 1984, moved quickly to protect its renters. On June 27, 1985, the city enacted the West Hollywood Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO), one of the strongest local rent control laws in California. The ordinance was adopted in direct response to the housing pressures facing the city's large renter population — roughly 80% of West Hollywood residents rent their homes — and the community's concerns about displacement and affordability in an area adjacent to some of the most expensive real estate in the country.
The RSO establishes a Maximum Allowable Rent (MAR) system that limits annual rent increases through an Annual General Adjustment (AGA), requires landlords to register rental units, mandates specific maintenance standards, and provides robust just-cause eviction protections. For the period September 1, 2025 through August 31, 2026, the AGA is set at 2.25%, down from the standard cap of 3%. The ordinance is administered by the City of West Hollywood's Rent Stabilization Division and overseen by the Rent Stabilization Commission.
Tenants in units not covered by the RSO — such as those built after June 30, 1979 or otherwise exempt — may still have protections under California's AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act of 2019), which limits rent increases to 5% plus local CPI (capped at 10% total) and requires just cause for eviction for qualifying tenants who have lived in a unit for 12 months or more.
2. Who Is Covered by Rent Control in West Hollywood?
The West Hollywood RSO covers multi-family residential rental units in buildings with two or more units, where the building was constructed before July 1, 1979. Because the city uses year-built data as an integer, properties recorded as built in 1978 or earlier are clearly covered; properties recorded as 1979 may be covered only if the certificate of occupancy was issued before July 1, 1979.
Units Covered by the RSO
Apartments in buildings with 2 or more units where the certificate of occupancy was issued before July 1, 1979
Single-family homes and condominiums built before July 1, 1979, if the tenancy began before January 1, 1996 (note: tenancy start dates cannot be verified automatically)
Units Exempt from RSO Rent Stabilization
Units with a certificate of occupancy issued on or after July 1, 1979 (exempt from rent stabilization, but eviction and anti-harassment protections still apply)
Single-family homes and condominiums where the tenancy began on or after January 1, 1996
Owner-occupied buildings with no more than one rental unit
Units in hotels, motels, and other transient accommodations
Government-subsidized housing where rents are controlled by a government agency
AB 1482 as a Backstop
If your unit is exempt from the RSO — for example, because it was built in 1980 or later — you may still be protected under California AB 1482. AB 1482 applies to most multi-family buildings over 15 years old that are not covered by a local ordinance, limiting rent increases to 5% plus local CPI (capped at 10%) and requiring just cause for eviction after 12 months of tenancy. Single-family homes and condos are generally exempt from AB 1482 unless the owner provides written notice of coverage.
3. Maximum Allowable Rent Increases
The West Hollywood RSO limits annual rent increases through the Annual General Adjustment (AGA), which is set each year by the Rent Stabilization Commission. The standard maximum AGA is 3% per year. For the period September 1, 2025 through August 31, 2026, the AGA is 2.25%. Rent increases may only be imposed once per 12-month period and must comply with the city's notice requirements.
Key Rules on Rent Increases
AGA cap: 2.25% (September 1, 2025–August 31, 2026); standard cap is 3%
Frequency: No more than one rent increase per 12-month period per tenant
Banked increases: Landlords who did not impose the full AGA in prior years may not bank unused increases; the AGA is not cumulative
Registration fee pass-through: Landlords may pass through $6 per month (half of the $144 annual registration fee) to tenants, in addition to the AGA
Petition for additional increases: Landlords may petition the Rent Stabilization Commission for additional rent increases beyond the AGA if they can demonstrate increased operating costs or capital improvements
Utility pass-throughs: Certain documented utility cost increases may be passed through to tenants with proper notice and approval
Maintenance Standards
The RSO also imposes affirmative maintenance obligations on landlords as a condition of collecting maximum rents: interior walls must be repainted at least every 4 years, and carpets must be replaced at least every 7 years. Failure to meet these standards may be grounds for a tenant petition to reduce rent.
4. Just Cause Eviction Protections
The West Hollywood RSO requires just cause for any eviction of a tenant in a covered unit. Landlords must state a valid just-cause reason in any notice to terminate tenancy. Just-cause reasons are divided into at-fault and no-fault categories.
At-Fault Just-Cause Reasons
Nonpayment of rent
Breach of a material term of the lease (after written notice and opportunity to cure)
Maintaining a nuisance or causing substantial damage to the unit
Using the unit for an illegal purpose
Refusal to renew a lease on similar terms
Refusal to provide lawful access to the landlord
Unapproved subletting or assignment of the unit
Employee, agent, or licensee relationship with landlord where tenancy is conditioned on employment, and the employment has ended
No-Fault Just-Cause Reasons
Owner or qualified family member move-in (OMI)
Withdrawal of the unit from the rental market (Ellis Act)
Demolition or substantial rehabilitation of the building with required permits
Government order requiring vacancy
Relocation Assistance
For no-fault evictions, landlords are required to pay relocation assistance to displaced tenants. The amount varies based on the length of tenancy, tenant income, and household composition, and is among the most generous in California — long-term low-income tenants may be entitled to assistance equal to several months of rent. Tenants facing a no-fault eviction should contact the West Hollywood Rent Stabilization Division immediately to understand the specific relocation assistance amount owed.
Units exempt from the RSO but covered by AB 1482 also require just cause for eviction after 12 months of tenancy and provide limited relocation assistance for no-fault terminations (equal to one month's rent).
5. Local Rules and Special Protections
The West Hollywood RSO is administered by the Rent Stabilization Division within the city's Community Development Department, with policy oversight by the Rent Stabilization Commission, a publicly appointed body that holds regular hearings.
Unit Registration
All RSO-covered rental units must be registered annually with the city. Landlords are required to pay an annual registration fee of $144 per unit. A landlord who fails to register a unit may not lawfully collect rent increases and may face penalties. Tenants can verify whether their unit is registered through the city's online Rent Registry.
Filing a Petition
Both tenants and landlords may file petitions with the Rent Stabilization Division. Common tenant petitions include:
Decrease in services petition: If the landlord has reduced services (e.g., removed parking, failed to maintain the unit) or failed to meet maintenance standards, tenants may petition for a rent reduction
Unlawful rent increase petition: If a landlord charges rent above the MAR, tenants may petition for a finding of overcharge and a rent reduction
Harassment complaint: Tenants who experience landlord harassment may file a formal complaint
Petitions are filed with the Rent Stabilization Division at West Hollywood City Hall, 8300 Santa Monica Blvd. The division provides free counseling appointments for tenants and landlords. Hearings are conducted by a hearing officer, with appeals to the Rent Stabilization Commission.
Anti-Harassment Protections
The West Hollywood RSO includes explicit anti-harassment provisions. Prohibited conduct includes interrupting utilities, removing doors or windows, entering without proper notice, threatening tenants, and interfering with tenant organizing. Tenants who experience harassment may file a complaint with the city and may also pursue civil remedies.
Tenant Education & Outreach
The city offers multilingual tenant education materials and free counseling through the Rent Stabilization Division. Tenants are encouraged to request a free counseling appointment before signing a new lease, receiving a notice to vacate, or responding to a rent increase.
6. Using RentCheckMe with Official Resources
Use RentCheckMe's address checker to look up whether your West Hollywood unit is likely covered by the RSO or by AB 1482 based on the property's year built and type.
The West Hollywood Rent Stabilization Division is your primary local resource for questions about coverage, rent increases, eviction protections, and petitions:
Tenants Together — California's statewide renter advocacy organization with resources and referrals
Housing Is Key — California state housing assistance resource; call 833-430-2122
7. Resources for West Hollywood Tenants
West Hollywood Rent Stabilization Division — Official city office administering the RSO. File petitions, verify unit registration, request tenant counseling, and get information on rent increases and eviction protections.
Bet Tzedek Legal Services — Free legal aid including tenant rights representation for LA County residents.
Tenants Together — California's statewide renter advocacy organization offering resources, referrals, and tenant organizing support.
Housing Is Key — California state housing assistance program. Call 833-430-2122 for referrals and resources.
8. Important Disclaimer
This page is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Rent control laws, annual adjustment rates, and local ordinance interpretations change frequently. The information on this page reflects the West Hollywood Rent Stabilization Ordinance as of May 2026 and may not reflect the most current rules or your specific situation. Contact the West Hollywood Rent Stabilization Division at (323) 848-6450 or a qualified legal aid organization such as the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles for advice specific to your tenancy.
Check Your Address
Find out if your home is covered by rent control or tenant protections.
Yes. West Hollywood enacted the Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) on June 27, 1985, making it one of the earliest and most comprehensive local rent control laws in California. The RSO limits annual rent increases, requires just cause for eviction, and mandates maintenance standards for covered rental units. Units not covered by the RSO may have protections under California's AB 1482.
What is the rent increase cap in West Hollywood?
The West Hollywood RSO caps annual rent increases through an Annual General Adjustment (AGA) set each year by the Rent Stabilization Commission. The standard maximum AGA is 3% per year. For the period September 1, 2025 through August 31, 2026, the AGA is 2.25%. Landlords may also pass through $6 per month (half of the $144 annual registration fee) in addition to the AGA, subject to proper notice.
Is my unit covered by West Hollywood's rent control ordinance?
Your unit is likely covered by the RSO if it is in a multi-family building with 2 or more units and the building received its certificate of occupancy before July 1, 1979. Some pre-1979 single-family homes and condominiums are also covered if the tenancy began before January 1, 1996. Units built on or after July 1, 1979 are exempt from rent stabilization but remain subject to the RSO's eviction and anti-harassment protections. Use RentCheckMe's address checker or contact the West Hollywood Rent Stabilization Division at (323) 848-6450 to confirm your unit's status.
Can my landlord evict me without just cause in West Hollywood?
No, not if your unit is covered by the West Hollywood RSO. The ordinance requires landlords to state a valid just-cause reason for any eviction, whether at-fault (such as nonpayment of rent or lease violations) or no-fault (such as owner move-in or Ellis Act withdrawal). No-fault evictions require the landlord to pay relocation assistance, which can be substantial for long-term or low-income tenants. Even tenants in RSO-exempt units may have just-cause protections under AB 1482 if they have lived in the unit for 12 months or more.
How do I contact the West Hollywood Rent Board?
West Hollywood's Rent Stabilization Division can be reached at (323) 848-6450, online at weho.org/rent, or in person at West Hollywood City Hall, 8300 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069. The division offers free counseling appointments for tenants and landlords, accepts petitions for rent reductions and overcharges, and provides information on unit registration status and eviction protections.
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