Beverly Hills Rent Stabilization Ordinance

The Beverly Hills Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) is a two-tiered system that provides comprehensive protections for tenants in most multi-unit residential properties in the city. The Ordinance restricts annual rent increases and ensures that a landlord cannot evict a tenant without a legally valid "Just Cause" reason.

Unit Coverage and the Two Rent Stabilization Chapters

The Beverly Hills RSO applies to most residential rental properties in the city with two or more units.

The specific rules that apply to your tenancy depend on the age of your building and your initial rental rate, dividing tenancies into two main categories:

  • Chapter 5 (Older Tenancies): Building built before September 20, 1978 AND initial move-in rent was $600 or less per month. Very strong rent and eviction control.

  • Chapter 6 (Most Common): Building built before February 1, 1995 AND initial move-in rent was more than $600 per month. Strong rent and eviction control (covers most rent-stabilized units today).

  • Exemptions: New construction built after February 1, 1995, and most single-family homes/condominiums (subject to specific state exemptions).

ANNUAL RENT INCREASE LIMITS (RENT CAP)

The RSO limits how much a landlord can increase your rent only once every 12 months, provided they give you at least 30 days' written notice.

Chapter 6 Tenants (Most Tenancies) The maximum allowable annual rent increase for Chapter 6 tenants is set by the City based on economic data. Current Rate as of September 2025: The allowable annual increase is typically updated in June and August. For current reference, the City has recently posted maximum increases around 3.0% to 3.1% for Chapter 6 tenants.

Chapter 5 Tenants (Lower Initial Rent) The allowable annual increase for Chapter 5 tenants is the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or 8%, whichever is less.

Important Note on Rent Registration: 

Landlords are required to annually register all covered units with the City's Rent Stabilization Division. A landlord cannot legally collect or impose a rent increase if the rental unit is not properly registered with the City.

Landlord Petitions for Higher Increases:

In both chapters, a landlord may petition the City for a rent increase higher than the annual limit if they can demonstrate financial need based on specific criteria, such as: Capital improvements; increased property taxes; OR expenditures mandated by law.

JUST CAUSE EVICTION PROTECTIONS

Under the RSO, a landlord must have a Just Cause—one of the specific, legally defined reasons—to end your tenancy. Evictions are categorized as either "For-Fault" (based on the tenant's actions) or "No-Fault" (based on the landlord's intent).

A. For-Fault Just Causes (Tenant Actions)

Reasons that may lead to eviction with proper notice include:

  • Failure to pay rent.

  • Violation of a material term of the lease.

  • Committing a nuisance or using the unit for an illegal purpose.

  • Refusal to sign a new lease that has the same terms as the expired lease.

  • Refusal to grant the landlord reasonable access to the unit.

  • Being deemed a "Disruptive Tenant" following a City hearing and a prior written warning.

B. No-Fault Just Causes (Requires Relocation Assistance)

These reasons are not based on the tenant's fault and require the landlord to pay the tenant substantial relocation assistance:

  • Owner Move-In (OMI): The landlord or their qualified close relative intends to move into the unit.

  • Demolition or Major Remodel: The unit is being removed from the market or requires extensive, costly work.

  • Withdrawal from Rental Market (Ellis Act): The owner intends to permanently remove the entire property from the rental market.

Specific Rules for Owner Move-In (OMI) Eviction

  • The tenant is entitled to a 90-day written notice to vacate.

  • The owner or relative must move into the unit within 30 days of the tenant vacating and must occupy it as their principal residence for at least one year.

  • If there are comparable vacant units, the landlord must evict the most recent tenant to the property.

Specific Rules for Major Remodel Eviction (Chapter 6)

  • Requires a one-year notice to the tenant.

  • The landlord must obtain approval from the Rent Stabilization Division (Rent Board) before serving the notice.

  • The remodel must meet a minimum cost per unit (e.g., $7,000 for a studio, $15,000 for a two-bedroom).

Relocation Assistance

Tenants evicted for a No-Fault reason (OMI, Demolition, Major Remodel, or Ellis Act) are entitled to statutory relocation fees, which are updated annually by the City (July 1st).

Relocation fees are based on the size of the unit and are subject to change.

Additional Compensation: Households that include a senior citizen (62+), a disabled person, or a minor child are entitled to an additional $2,000 in relocation assistance.

Instead of paying the relocation fee, a landlord has the option to offer the tenant a comparable replacement unit. A tenant cannot unreasonably refuse an offer for a truly comparable unit (same size, price, location, and amenities).


Peregrine Legal Group, PC, represents tenants throughout Beverly Hills. Contact us to schedule a consultation.



City Website: https://www.beverlyhills.org/1090/Rent-Stabilization 

Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge only and is not legal advice. For specific legal issues, you should consult with a qualified attorney or contact the Pasadena Rent Stabilization Department.