Los Angeles and Southern California Local Rent Control Ordinances

Landlords operating in Los Angeles County and throughout Southern California must comply with a patchwork of local rent control and tenant protection ordinances that impose requirements beyond California state law. Failure to comply with applicable local ordinances — even if you follow AB 1482 correctly — can void your eviction notice, result in dismissal of your unlawful detainer case, and expose you to penalties and attorney fees.

City of Los Angeles — Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO)

The LA RSO applies to most residential rental units first built on or before October 1, 1978. Key provisions include:

• Annual increases: The allowable annual rent increase remains at 3% through June 30, 2026. Always verify the exact allowable percentage with LAHD before issuing a notice.
• Just cause eviction required for all RSO units
• Relocation assistance required for no-fault evictions (amounts vary by tenancy length and tenant characteristics)
• Registration required with the Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD)
• Specific LAHD language required on certain eviction notices

The City of Los Angeles also has a Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance (TAHO), codified at LAMC § 151.33, effective August 6, 2021 (amended December 29, 2024). TAHO applies to all residential units in the City of Los Angeles, not just RSO units.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica rent control applies to units with certificates of occupancy issued before April 10, 1979. The annual General Adjustment is generally calculated at 75% of CPI for the Los Angeles area. The Rent Control Board may also impose dollar caps on the annual increase.

Under Costa-Hawkins (Civil Code § 1954.50 et seq.), vacancy decontrol applies statewide, including in Santa Monica. When a rent-controlled unit becomes vacant after a voluntary move-out or for-cause eviction, the landlord may set the initial rent for a new tenancy at market rate. This right to reset rent does not apply when the prior tenant was displaced through a no-fault eviction (Civil Code § 1954.53(d)).

Owner move-in evictions are subject to significant restrictions under Santa Monica Rent Control Law. The owner (or qualifying family member) must be a natural person with at least 50% ownership interest, must intend in good faith to occupy the unit as their primary residence within 60 days after the tenant vacates, and must remain for at least 2 years. Failure to actually move in and occupy the unit for the required period can result in penalties and the obligation to offer the unit back to the displaced tenant.

West Hollywood

West Hollywood's rent stabilization ordinance covers units with certificates of occupancy issued before July 1, 1979. The annual General Adjustment is calculated at 75% of CPI, with a maximum cap of 3% regardless of CPI (WHMC § 17.36.020). Just cause is required for eviction. Relocation fees range from approximately $9,500–$13,400 for smaller units to $23,800–$31,600+ for larger or lower-income/qualified tenants (amounts are adjusted annually as of July 1 — always check current WHMC figures).

Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills has a two-tier rent stabilization system:

• Chapter 5 covers units in buildings with 2 or more units built before September 20, 1978, where the original monthly rent was $600 or less. The rent increase formula is CPI or 8%, whichever is less.
• Chapter 6 covers units in buildings with 2 or more units with a certificate of occupancy issued before February 1, 1995. The rent increase formula is CPI or 3%, whichever is greater.

Units in pre-1978 buildings with original rents above $600 fall under Chapter 6, not Chapter 5. Landlords should consult the city's rent stabilization office for current applicable rates.

Inglewood

Inglewood adopted rent control and just cause protections in 2019 (permanent ordinance effective December 5, 2019). The city uses a two-tier rent cap structure: buildings with 5 or more units are subject to a cap of 3% or CPI (whichever is greater, up to 10%); buildings with 4 or fewer units are subject to a cap of 5% plus CPI (up to 10%). Landlords should verify current allowable rates with the city.

Unincorporated LA County

LA County adopted a Rent Stabilization and Tenant Protections Ordinance effective April 1, 2020. As of January 1, 2025, the Board of Supervisors revised the annual increase formula to 60% of CPI, with a maximum cap of 3%. Just cause is required for eviction, and relocation assistance is mandatory for no-fault terminations.

Other Southern California Cities

• Long Beach: The Just Cause for Termination of Tenancies Ordinance (LBMC Chapter 8.99) requires relocation assistance for certain no-fault evictions. Long Beach does not have a local rent cap — rent increases are governed by AB 1482.
• Glendale: The Rental Rights Program (Ordinance #5922, effective March 14, 2019) provides just cause eviction protections and relocation assistance (triggered by rent increases of 7% or more). Glendale does not have a local rent cap. Registration is required for new tenancies.
• Pasadena: Measure H (the Pasadena Fair and Equitable Housing Charter Amendment), passed by voters in November 2022, includes just cause eviction protections and a rent cap of 75% of CPI for qualifying multi-family units.
• Culver City: Ordinances adopted September 29, 2020, cap rent increases at CPI (with a floor of 2% and a ceiling of 5%), require just cause for eviction, mandate relocation assistance, and require annual landlord registration.
• Pomona: Urgency rent stabilization ordinance adopted August 2022 with rent caps and just cause protections. Relocation assistance requirements added April 2023. A permanent ordinance was adopted in November 2025.

How to Determine Which Ordinance Applies

1. Is the property within an incorporated city or unincorporated county territory?
2. Does the city have its own rent stabilization or tenant protection ordinance?
3. Does the property meet the ordinance's coverage criteria (building age, number of units, ownership structure)?
4. Has the landlord obtained any applicable exemptions or registrations?