Los Angeles County Rent Stabilization and Tenant Protections Ordinance

The Los Angeles County Rent Stabilization and Tenant Protections Ordinance (RSTPO) primarily governs properties in the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. It establishes rent stabilization (rent control) limits for eligible units and provides just cause eviction protections for most residential units.

Covered Properties and Exemptions

The RSTPO divides rental units into three categories:

1. Fully Covered Units (Rent Control & Just Cause)

These units are subject to both annual rent increase limits and just cause eviction rules.

  • Located in unincorporated Los Angeles County.

  • Certificate of Occupancy (or equivalent) issued on or before February 1, 1995.

  • Unit on a property with two or more dwelling units.

2. Partially Covered Units (Just Cause Only)

These units are exempt from rent control but are protected by just cause eviction rules.

  • Most rental units in unincorporated LA County are covered by just cause eviction protection, including Single-Family Homes (SFH) and Condominiums, unless a specific exemption applies.

  • Newer units (Certificate of Occupancy after February 1, 1995) are typically only partially covered.

3. Fully Exempt Units

These units are exempt from both rent control and just cause eviction rules.

  • Units in hospitals, convents, dormitories, licensed care facilities, etc.

  • Units owned, managed, or subsidized by a governmental agency.

  • Short-term housing (hotels, motels).

ALLOWABLE ANNUAL RENT INCREASES (RENT CONTROL)

The maximum allowable annual rent increase for Fully Covered Units is tied to a percentage change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), as determined by the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA).

  • 2024 Limit: From January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024, the maximum increase for fully covered rental units is 4%.

  • Future Increases: The allowable increase is generally set based on a percentage of the CPI and is subject to annual adjustments and temporary caps.

Other Potential Increases:

  • Small Property Landlords: Landlords who meet specific criteria (e.g., owner-occupied and own ten or fewer rental units total) may be allowed an additional 1% increase.

  • Pass-Through Costs: Landlords may apply for approval to pass through costs for certain capital improvements, renovations, annual registration fees, and the Safe Clean Water Act (Measure W parcel tax).

  • Vacancy Decontrol: Consistent with state law (Costa-Hawkins Act), the landlord can generally set the initial rent for a new tenancy at a market rate upon tenant turnover.

JUST CAUSE FOR EVICTION

The RSTPO requires a valid legal reason (just cause) for a landlord to terminate a tenancy in Fully and Partially Covered Units.

  1. At-Fault Evictions (Tenant is responsible)

  • Failure to pay rent.

  • Material or habitual breach of the lease.

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

  • Refusal to grant the landlord reasonable access.

  1. No-Fault Evictions (Landlord's choice/need, not tenant's fault)

  • Owner/Family Move-in: The landlord or an eligible immediate family member intends to move into the unit.

  • Ellis Act Withdrawal: The landlord seeks to permanently withdraw the unit from the rental market.

  • Demolition or Substantial Remodel: The unit must be demolished or subject to a substantial remodel that cannot be done with the tenant in place.

  • Government Order: Compliance with a government or court order to vacate.

Relocation Assistance must be provided by the landlord for all No-Fault Evictions.

Landlord Obligations

  • Registration: Property owners must annually register each fully or partially covered rental unit with the County's Rent Registry system.

  • Notice: Landlords must provide tenants with proper written notice of all rent increases, eviction notices, and their rights under the RSTPO.


Peregrine Legal Group, PC, represents tenants throughout Los Angeles County. Contact us to schedule a consultation.


City Website: https://dcba.lacounty.gov/rentstabilizationprogram/ 

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.