Los Gatos Rent Ordinance
The Los Gatos Rent Ordinance governs how often and by how much your landlord can increase your rent and provides a formal process for tenants to challenge unreasonable increases or reductions in services.
MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE RENT INCREASE
Your landlord can only increase your rent once annually. The maximum amount of that annual rent increase cannot exceed the greater of the following two calculations:
70% of the annual percent change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), OR
5% of your existing monthly rent.
Note on Service Reductions: A landlord cannot legally reduce services (like removing a storage space or laundry access) without a corresponding reduction in rent. The ordinance views a reduction in services without a rent decrease as a rent increase.
Rent Increase Notice Requirements: For a rent increase notice to be valid, the landlord must provide the following information in writing with the notice: Advice of the right to petition for dispute resolution. And the name and current telephone number of the designated agent administering the Rent Ordinance for the Town of Los Gatos.
Banking Past Rent Increases: While not explicitly a formula, the ordinance allows a landlord to potentially "bank" past allowable rent increases they did not take. This can only be authorized by a Los Gatos Dispute Resolution Program arbitrator if the landlord provides sufficient evidence to justify it.
Consent for Rent Increases: A landlord may increase the rent above the allowable cap at any time if they have the written consent of all affected tenants. This consent must be sought through conciliation or mediation facilitated by the Los Gatos Dispute Resolution Program.
EVICTION PROTECTIONS IN LOS GATOS
Unlike many other California cities, Los Gatos does not have a local "Just Cause" for Eviction ordinance. This means your landlord can use standard state-law no-fault reasons to end a month-to-month tenancy (typically with 30 or 60 days' notice).
However, the Los Gatos Rent Ordinance does provide a limited protection against evictions used to circumvent rent control. A landlord shall not recover possession of your unit if their main reason for doing so is:
Retaliation: In response to you exercising your rights under the Rent Ordinance (e.g., filing a petition).
Evasion: To avoid the purposes of the Rent Ordinance (e.g., to raise the rent beyond the legal limits for a new tenant).
If you believe you are being evicted for these reasons, you should consult with our attorney to pursue a claim for wrongful eviction. Peregrine Legal Group, PC represents tenants across Los Gatos. Contact us to schedule a consultation.
Peregrine Legal Group, PC, represents tenants throughout Los Gatos. Contact us to schedule a consultation.
Los Gatos ordinance:https://www.losgatosca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1944/Rental-Dispute-Ordinance-2128
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.