West Hollywood Rent Stabilization Ordinance

The West Hollywood Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) is a comprehensive local law that governs rent increases and evictions for most residential units in the city.

ANNUAL ALLOWABLE RENT INCREASE (AGA)

  • The current Annual General Adjustment (AGA) covers the period from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026.

  • The maximum allowable rent increase for this period is 2.25%. Note: The AGA is generally based on 75% of the Consumer Price Index for the area, but the West Hollywood City Council may also place permanent or temporary caps on this amount. A permanent cap of 3% on the AGA has been adopted in the past.

  • Notice Requirement: Landlords must provide the tenant with proper written notice of a rent increase. For increases of 10% or less, at least 30 days notice is required before the effective date.

  • Application: The AGA applies to the Maximum Allowable Rent (MAR) of rent-stabilized units. Landlords must have complied with registration requirements and have waited 12 months since the last increase or the tenant moved in.

  • Registration Fee Pass-Through: A landlord may also pass through one-half of the monthly prorated annual registration fee (currently $6.00 per month, or $3.00 for the tenant's share), which is separate from the AGA and is not considered a rent increase.

  • Individual Rent Increases: Landlords can apply for individual rent increases (beyond the AGA) if needed to ensure a "just and reasonable return" on their property.

JUST CAUSE FOR EVICTION

  • Coverage: Nearly all residential units in West Hollywood are covered by the Just Cause for Eviction section of the RSO, regardless of whether they are also rent-stabilized.

  • Requirement: A landlord must have a "just cause" (a legal reason) to terminate a tenancy or evict a tenant.

  • Permissible Eviction Causes (Examples):

    • At-Fault:

      • Non-payment of legal rent.

      • Creating a nuisance or using the unit for illegal purposes.

      • Violating written terms of the tenancy (with certain exceptions).

      • Subleasing without the landlord's permission.

      • Failure to provide reasonable access to the unit.

    • No-Fault (Generally Require Relocation Assistance):

      • Landlord or family member move-in.

      • Removal of the property from the rental market (Ellis Act).

      • Demolition or substantial remodel.

      • Order to vacate by a government agency for health or safety reasons.

  • RSO Filing: Whenever a landlord files an eviction action, they must send a copy of the Summons and Complaint to the Rent Stabilization and Housing Department within five (5) days of serving the tenant.

  • State Law Interaction: The local RSO's just cause requirements operate alongside state law, specifically California Civil Code Section 1946.2 (AB 1482), which also requires just cause for termination of tenancies after 12 months of continuous lawful occupation, creating a layered protection for tenants.


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


City Website: https://www.weho.org/city-government/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.