Los Angeles, California · City renter rules · Updated Oct 2026
Los Angeles Tenant Rights: Rent Control, Evictions (2026)
What is different for renters in Los Angeles compared with California state law: rent control, just cause for eviction, relocation payments and deposits. In plain English from official city sources.
Short answer
Los Angeles has its own rent control (the RSO) for most apartments built on or before October 1, 1978, with a 3% cap for July 2026 to June 2027. Almost every other rental is covered by the city's Just Cause Ordinance, so a landlord needs a legal reason to evict you and must pay relocation money for no-fault evictions. The city also has a right-to-counsel program, a minimum debt before a non-payment eviction, and relocation money if you move out after a big rent increase.
- Rent control
- Yes: 3% cap (covered units)
- Just cause for eviction
- Required (city rule)
- Relocation payments
- In some cases
- Free lawyer in eviction cases
- Yes, for eligible tenants
Rent control in Los Angeles
- Who is covered
- Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO): rental units first built on or before October 1, 1978 — apartments, duplexes, two or more houses on one lot, ADUs, long-term hotel rooms, mobile homes. Condos and townhomes are covered for eviction, but their rent is not capped for tenancies that began after December 31, 1995. Newer buildings fall under state law (AB 1482) instead.
- Allowed increase in 2026
- 3% for July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 (it was also 3% for July 2025 to June 2026). One increase every 12 months. Since February 2, 2026 landlords can no longer add extra percentage points for gas or electric. Small pass-through fees are allowed (registration $1.61/month, SCEP code-enforcement $2.83/month).
- How to check if you are covered
- Look up your address on ZIMAS (zimas.lacity.org), open the Housing tab, and see the RSO status. Or call the LAHD hotline at (866) 557-7368.
Rent increase calculator for Los Angeles
Enter your monthly rent to see the most your landlord may raise it under the cap, and check a proposed new rent. Nothing you type here is sent anywhere.
Just cause for eviction in Los Angeles
- The rule
- If you live in an RSO unit, the landlord can evict you only for a reason listed in the RSO. Almost all other rentals in the city, including single-family homes and condos, are covered by the Just Cause Ordinance (JCO) once you have lived there 6 months or your first lease ends, whichever comes first. At-fault reasons include not paying rent, a lease violation you did not fix, nuisance, illegal use, and refusing access. No-fault reasons (owner or family move-in, demolition or leaving the rental market, government order, conversion to affordable housing) require relocation money. The landlord must file every eviction notice with LAHD within 3 business days of serving you.
Relocation payments in Los Angeles
- The rule
- No-fault evictions (RSO and JCO), amounts per unit for July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027: eligible household $11,000 if you lived there under 3 years, $14,400 if 3+ years or low income (80% AMI or less); qualified household (someone 62+, disabled, or minor children) $23,150 or $27,400. Smaller 'mom and pop' owners evicting for their own move-in pay $10,550 / $21,250. JCO single-family homes owned by a small individual owner: one month's rent. Payment is due within 15 days of the notice. Separately, if you are under the JCO (not RSO) and your landlord raises rent more than 10% (or 5% plus CPI, if lower) within 12 months, you can choose to move out and get three times the HUD fair market rent for your unit size plus $1,411 for moving costs (a small individual owner of a single-family home pays one month's rent instead).
Security deposits in Los Angeles
In an RSO unit, your landlord must pay you interest on a security deposit held for at least one year. The rate for 2026 is 3.03% (4.32% in 2025), set by the Rent Adjustment Commission. The landlord pays it each year as cash or a rent credit, or when you move out. If you are not paid, you can sue in small claims court (LAHD does not investigate these complaints). When the annual RSO increase is applied, the landlord may raise the deposit by the same percentage (3% for 2026-27). State law sets the deposit limit and return rules.
Repairs and complaints in Los Angeles
Report bad conditions to the Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD) at (866) 557-7368 or online at housing.lacity.gov. LAHD inspects rental buildings through its Systematic Code Enforcement Program. If a landlord does not fix cited problems, LAHD can put the building in the Rent Escrow Account Program (REAP), which lets you pay a reduced rent into an escrow account until repairs are made. The Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance also bans withholding repairs or cutting services to push you out.
Eviction protections in Los Angeles
Right to counsel: since August 20, 2025, if you get an eviction court case (unlawful detainer) in the City of Los Angeles, earn 80% of area median income or less, and do not live with your landlord, you may get a free lawyer through the city's program with Stay Housed L.A. Apply within 30 days of getting the court papers — call (800) 694-0040 right away, and remember you must file an answer with the court within 10 days. Landlords must give you a Notice of Right to Counsel at move-in and with any eviction notice. Since March 27, 2023, a landlord cannot evict you for unpaid rent unless you owe more than one month of HUD fair market rent for your unit size. All eviction notices must be filed with LAHD within 3 business days.
Other Los Angeles rules
- Landlords must give every tenant a Notice of Renters' Protections when a tenancy starts or renews, and post it in a common area.
- Buyouts ('cash for keys') in RSO units require an RSO disclosure notice and must be filed with LAHD; you can cancel within 30 days.
- Every rental unit must be registered with LAHD each year, and RSO landlords must give you the yearly registration certificate.
- The Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance covers all rentals in the city; you can file a complaint with LAHD.
California law that also applies
City rules add to state law. Where they differ, the stronger protection usually applies; if you are unsure, ask the city agency below.
- Deposit limit
- 1 month's rent (with exceptions)
- Deposit back within
- 21 days
- Notice for unpaid rent
- 3 business days
- Notice before entry
- Reasonable (24 hours presumed)
- Rent increase notice
- Month-to-month: at least 30 days' written notice for an increase of 10% or less within 12 months; at least 90 days for more than 10% (add 5 days if mailed).
Where to get help in Los Angeles
Free tools
These tools use California state law. Los Angeles's rules above may give you more time or more money.
Deposit calculator
Check California's deadline to return your deposit.
Eviction notice timeline
See the dates under California law.
Repair request letter for California
Ask your landlord in writing to fix the problem by a date. A written, dated request is the first step in almost every state, and it is proof that the landlord knew. Check the problems, add dates, then download the letter as PDF or Word (or copy it). Sign it, keep a copy and photos, and send it in a way you can prove.
Questions about renting in Los Angeles
Is there rent control in Los Angeles?
Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO): rental units first built on or before October 1, 1978 — apartments, duplexes, two or more houses on one lot, ADUs, long-term hotel rooms, mobile homes. Condos and townhomes are covered for eviction, but their rent is not capped for tenancies that began after December 31, 1995. Newer buildings fall under state law (AB 1482) instead.
How much can my rent go up in Los Angeles in 2026?
3% for July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 (it was also 3% for July 2025 to June 2026). One increase every 12 months. Since February 2, 2026 landlords can no longer add extra percentage points for gas or electric. Small pass-through fees are allowed (registration $1.61/month, SCEP code-enforcement $2.83/month).
Does my landlord need a reason to evict me in Los Angeles?
If you live in an RSO unit, the landlord can evict you only for a reason listed in the RSO. Almost all other rentals in the city, including single-family homes and condos, are covered by the Just Cause Ordinance (JCO) once you have lived there 6 months or your first lease ends, whichever comes first. At-fault reasons include not paying rent, a lease violation you did not fix, nuisance, illegal use, and refusing access. No-fault reasons (owner or family move-in, demolition or leaving the rental market, government order, conversion to affordable housing) require relocation money. The landlord must file every eviction notice with LAHD within 3 business days of serving you.
What eviction protections does Los Angeles have?
Right to counsel: since August 20, 2025, if you get an eviction court case (unlawful detainer) in the City of Los Angeles, earn 80% of area median income or less, and do not live with your landlord, you may get a free lawyer through the city's program with Stay Housed L.A. Apply within 30 days of getting the court papers — call (800) 694-0040 right away, and remember you must file an answer with the court within 10 days. Landlords must give you a Notice of Right to Counsel at move-in and with any eviction notice. Since March 27, 2023, a landlord cannot evict you for unpaid rent unless you owe more than one month of HUD fair market rent for your unit size. All eviction notices must be filed with LAHD within 3 business days.
Do I get relocation money if I have to move out in Los Angeles?
No-fault evictions (RSO and JCO), amounts per unit for July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027: eligible household $11,000 if you lived there under 3 years, $14,400 if 3+ years or low income (80% AMI or less); qualified household (someone 62+, disabled, or minor children) $23,150 or $27,400. Smaller 'mom and pop' owners evicting for their own move-in pay $10,550 / $21,250. JCO single-family homes owned by a small individual owner: one month's rent. Payment is due within 15 days of the notice. Separately, if you are under the JCO (not RSO) and your landlord raises rent more than 10% (or 5% plus CPI, if lower) within 12 months, you can choose to move out and get three times the HUD fair market rent for your unit size plus $1,411 for moving costs (a small individual owner of a single-family home pays one month's rent instead).
Are there city rules on security deposits in Los Angeles?
In an RSO unit, your landlord must pay you interest on a security deposit held for at least one year. The rate for 2026 is 3.03% (4.32% in 2025), set by the Rent Adjustment Commission. The landlord pays it each year as cash or a rent credit, or when you move out. If you are not paid, you can sue in small claims court (LAHD does not investigate these complaints). When the annual RSO increase is applied, the landlord may raise the deposit by the same percentage (3% for 2026-27). State law sets the deposit limit and return rules.
- LAHD — RSO Overview
- LAHD — Allowable Rent Increase Bulletin (3% for 7/1/2026–6/30/2027)
- LAHD — Relocation Assistance Bulletin, effective July 1, 2026
- LAHD — Interest Payment on Security Deposit Bulletin #44 (2026 rate 3.03%)
- LAHD — Just Cause For Eviction Ordinance (JCO)
- LAHD — Renter Protections
- LAHD — Tenants' Right to Counsel Program
- City of LA Ordinance 187764 (LAMC 165.09, economic displacement relocation)
Last checked: Oct 2026.