Rent Control in West Hollywood

Last updated: January 2026

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

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Key Takeaways

Coverage: Multi-family units built before July 1, 1979. Single-family/condos covered if tenancy began before January 1996.
Rent Increase Cap: 2.25% for September 2025 - August 2026 (75% of CPI, max 3%). Registration fee pass-through: $6/month.
Just Cause Protection: Required under West Hollywood RSO. Units built after July 1979 still have eviction/harassment protections.
Local Help: West Hollywood Rent Stabilization and Housing Division.

1. Overview of Rent Control in West Hollywood

The City of West Hollywood has a comprehensive Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) that has been effective since June 27, 1985. This ordinance provides rent stabilization and tenant protection for many residential rental units in West Hollywood.

Important Note: West Hollywood 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 West Hollywood are subject to West Hollywood's Rent Stabilization 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 West Hollywood'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 West Hollywood Rent Stabilization and the West Hollywood Municipal Code. It is not legal advice.

2. Who Is Covered by Rent Control in West Hollywood?

West Hollywood's Rent Stabilization Ordinance applies to multi-family residential rental units built before July 1, 1979. However, there are several important exceptions and special cases:

Single-family homes – Single-family homes built before July 1, 1979 are covered if the tenancy began before January 1, 1996. However, we cannot determine move-in dates automatically, so single-family homes are generally treated as exempt in our system. They may still be protected under California's statewide Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482).
Condominiums – Condominiums built before July 1, 1979 are covered if the tenancy began before January 1, 1996. However, we cannot determine move-in dates automatically, so condominiums are generally treated as exempt in our system. They may still be protected under AB 1482.
Newer construction – Units with a certificate of occupancy issued on or after July 1, 1979 are exempt from rent stabilization but remain subject to eviction and harassment protections. Note: Since we only have year-level data, properties built in 1979 may be covered if built before July 1, 1979, 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

West Hollywood uses a Maximum Allowable Rent (MAR) system to determine the rent ceiling for rent-stabilized units. The MAR limits the rent a landlord can charge for rent-stabilized units.

Annual General Adjustment (AGA): Annual rent increases are capped by the Annual General Adjustment, which is determined based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The City Council has implemented a permanent cap on annual rent increases at 3%.

Current rent increase limits:

September 1, 2025 to August 31, 2026: 2.25% AGA

Key rules for rent increases:

Landlords must provide proper written notice before implementing a rent increase.
Rent increases are subject to the Annual General Adjustment cap (currently 2.25%, with a permanent maximum cap of 3%).
Tenants can dispute ineligible rent increases and other ordinance violations by filing a petition with the Rent Stabilization and Housing Division.

4. Just Cause Eviction Protections

West Hollywood's Rent Stabilization Ordinance includes just cause eviction protections that help prevent arbitrary evictions and ensure tenant stability. Evictions are permitted only for specific reasons, such as:

Nonpayment of rent
Creating a nuisance
Violating lease terms
Other reasons specified in the ordinance

This provision offers tenants significant protection against arbitrary eviction. Even units that are exempt from rent stabilization (such as newer construction) remain subject to eviction and harassment protections under the ordinance.

5. Using RentCheckMe with Official Resources

By combining our automated check with trusted resources like the City of West Hollywood Rent Stabilization and the West Hollywood 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 the Rent Stabilization and Housing Division for information about rent stabilization, eviction protections, and compliance (phone: (323) 848-6450)
Reviewing the Tenant FAQs and Landlord FAQs on the city's website
Consulting with a qualified attorney or tenant counseling organization

6. Resources for West Hollywood Tenants

California Department of Consumer Affairs – Statewide tenant rights information
Housing Rights Center – Education and advocacy for tenants throughout California

7. Important Disclaimer

This article is intended as a readable, high‑level overview of rent control in West Hollywood, drawn from public resources like the City of West Hollywood Rent Stabilization and the West Hollywood 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, including when your tenancy began (for single-family homes and condos, coverage depends on whether the tenancy began before January 1, 1996) and other factors. For binding guidance about your rights or obligations, speak with the Rent Stabilization and Housing Division (phone: (323) 848-6450), a qualified attorney, or a tenant‑counseling organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does West Hollywood have its own rent control ordinance?

Yes, West Hollywood 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 West Hollywood?

For units covered by West Hollywood'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 West Hollywood?

Tenants in West Hollywood 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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