In 2024, tenants in Los Angeles should be aware of significant regulations regarding rent increases, primarily governed by the Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) and the California Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482). Here are the key points regarding these laws:
Rent Increase Limits
- RSO Cap: From July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, landlords can increase rents for RSO-covered units by a maximum of 4% annually. If landlords provide gas and electricity, they may add an additional 1% for each utility, making a potential total increase of up to 6%.
- Statewide Cap: Under the Tenant Protection Act, the overall cap for rent increases across California is set at 5% plus the local Consumer Price Index (CPI) or 10%, whichever is lower. For Los Angeles County, this means that as of August 2024, the maximum allowable increase is 8.9%, reflecting adjustments based on inflation.
Applicability
- The RSO applies to residential properties built on or before October 1, 1978, and some newer properties that replaced demolished units from that era. This law aims to protect tenants from excessive rent hikes while allowing landlords to manage their expenses.
Notice Requirements
- Landlords are required to provide tenants with a 30-day notice for rent increases of up to 10%. For increases exceeding this threshold, a 60-day notice is necessary.
Eviction Protections
- The Tenant Protection Act also prohibits “no-fault” evictions, meaning landlords cannot evict tenants without a valid cause. If a landlord wishes to end a tenancy for personal reasons or renovations, they must comply with specific regulations and provide relocation assistance in many cases.
Additional Considerations
- Tenants should be vigilant about any notices received regarding rent increases and verify whether their unit falls under the RSO or other local regulations. If landlords attempt to impose illegal increases, tenants can file complaints with the Los Angeles Housing Department.
These regulations reflect ongoing efforts to balance tenant protections with landlord needs in response to economic challenges and housing market dynamics in Los Angeles.
Sources:
- https://www.steadily.com/blog/rent-increase-laws-regulations-los-angeles-ca
- https://belonghome.com/blog/california-rental-law-changes
- https://www.reddit.com/r/AskLosAngeles/comments/19ddg4l/what_happens_on_july_1_2024_for_rsorent_control/?rdt=54818
