Inglewood Rent Control and Tenant Protections

The Inglewood Rent Ordinance, formally known as the Residential Rent Regulations and Just Cause for Eviction Ordinance (RRRJE), is a local law that regulates rent increases and evictions for certain residential properties in the City of Inglewood.

Covered Properties and Exemptions

The Inglewood Rent Ordinance's rent cap applies primarily to older, multi-unit residential properties.

  • Buildings with 5 or more units: Generally covered if the Certificate of Occupancy was issued before February 1, 1995.

  • Residential construction: Exempt for the first 15 years after the Certificate of Occupancy is issued (on a rolling basis).

  • Single-Family Homes/Condominiums: Generally exempt under the state Costa-Hawkins Act.

  • Owner-Occupied Duplexes: Exempt (if the owner occupies one unit).

If a property is exempt from Inglewood's local rent cap, it may still be subject to the California Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482), which imposes a less restrictive statewide rent cap and just cause eviction rules.

ALLOWABLE ANNUAL RENT INCREASES

The maximum allowable annual rent increase depends on the size of the rental property:

  • Buildings with 5 or more units (Covered by City Ordinance): The annual increase is limited to 3% or the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Los Angeles area, whichever is greater. The CPI figure is generally published annually.

    • Buildings with 4 or fewer units (Covered by State Law AB 1482): The annual increase is the lower of two figures: 5% plus the percentage change in the CPI for the Los Angeles area. OR 10%.

JUST CAUSE FOR EVICTION PROTECTIONS

Inglewood's ordinance provides Just Cause for Eviction protections, which generally apply after a tenant has continuously and lawfully occupied a unit for 12 months or more. A landlord cannot terminate a tenancy without a specific, legally valid reason (just cause). Just cause reasons are divided into two categories:

  1. At-Fault Evictions (Reasons that are the tenant's fault):

    • Failure to pay rent.

    • Breach of a material term of the lease.

    • Committing waste or nuisance.

    • Using the unit for an illegal purpose.

    • Refusal to allow the landlord lawful entry.

    • Subletting in violation of the lease.

  2. No-Fault Evictions (Reasons that are not the tenant's fault):

    • Owner or close relative move-in (subject to strict conditions and only for one unit per property).

    • Withdrawal of the unit from the rental market (Ellis Act).

    • Compliance with a government order to vacate.

    • Demolition or substantial rehabilitation of the rental unit (must have all required permits).

Relocation Assistance is required for all approved no-fault evictions. The amount is typically a base amount plus an additional sum if there are minors or disabled/elderly tenants, and is determined by the City's schedule.

Registration

  • Mandatory Registration: Landlords of all rental units, including those claiming an exemption, must annually register their property with the City of Inglewood's Housing Protection Department.

  • Consequences of Non-Compliance: Owners who fail to properly register may be prohibited from demanding or accepting rent, advertising the unit for rent, or initiating an eviction.


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


City Website: https://www.cityofinglewood.org/1594/Allowable-Rent-Increases 

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.