Culver City Rent Control and Tenant Protections

Culver City's permanent Rent Control Ordinance and Tenant Protections Ordinance went into effect on October 30, 2020. These ordinances stabilize rents and require a "Just Cause" for evictions, providing a robust legal framework for tenants in the city.

Units Covered by Rent Control

The Rent Control Ordinance limits annual rent increases for units in:

  • Parcels with two or more rental units.

  • Buildings constructed on or before February 1, 1995.

Units that are exempt from the Rent Control Ordinance (rent cap) include:

  • Dwelling units built or with a certificate of occupancy issued after February 1, 1995.

  • Single-family homes, condominiums, and townhomes (exceptions may apply based on ownership/specific criteria).

  • Government-subsidized dwelling units.

  • Dwelling units expressly exempt per state or federal law (e.g., as per the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act).

While certain units are exempt from the rent cap, most rental units in Culver City are covered by the Tenant Protections Ordinance, which includes just cause eviction protections and relocation assistance.

ANNUAL RENT INCREASE LIMITS (RENT CAP)

The City caps annual rent increases at an amount tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

The maximum permissible annual rent increase is announced monthly, approximately six weeks in advance. For example, for increases effective between September 1, 2025, through October 31, 2025, the cap is 3.00%.

Landlords may impose no more than one rent increase for a covered unit in any 12-month period.

Capital Improvement Pass-Through: Landlords can pass through 50% of the cost of eligible capital improvements to tenants, amortized over the useful life of the improvement. This pass-through is capped at 3% of the tenant's rent in the aggregate.

JUST CAUSE EVICTION PROTECTIONS

All evictions in covered units must be based on one of the "For Cause" (At Fault) or "No Fault" grounds defined in the Tenant Protections Ordinance. Selling a property is explicitly not a ground for eviction if a tenant has lawfully occupied the unit for 12 months or more.

A. "For Cause" (At Fault) Eviction Grounds

These evictions are based on the tenant's actions or failure to comply with the lease:

  • Failure to pay rent.

  • Breach of the rental agreement.

  • Failure to provide reasonable access to the unit.

  • Tenant's use of the rental unit to create a nuisance or for an illegal purpose.

  • Tenant was a resident manager whose employment was terminated and unit was provided as a term of employment.

B. "No Fault" Eviction Grounds (Requires Relocation Assistance)

These evictions are based on the landlord's intent and require the landlord to provide relocation assistance:

  • Demolition of the unit.

  • Removal from the rental market (Ellis Act).

  • Move-in by the landlord or an eligible relative (must occupy as a primary residence for at least 3 years).

  • Need to comply with a government or other order necessitating the vacancy.

  • Need to comply with a deed or regulatory restriction.

Relocation Assistance

Tenants who are evicted through a "No-Fault" reason are entitled to statutory relocation assistance.

Temporary Relocation: Tenants who cannot remain in their unit during necessary work are entitled to temporary relocation assistance.

Landlord Registration and Fees

  • Landlords must register/re-register their rental units with the City by July 31st each year and pay the annual rental registration fee.

  • The annual registration fee is currently $167 per residential rental unit (subject to change).

  • Penalties are assessed for late payment or failure to register, starting September 1st with a 20% penalty fee added on the first day of each month past due.


Peregrine Legal Group, PC, represents tenants throughout Culver City. Contact us to schedule a consultation.


City Website: https://www.culvercity.gov/Services/Housing-Homeless-Human-Services/Rent-Control-Tenant-Protection-Measures 

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.