There are many aspects of the landlord tenant relationship that the Rent Stabilization Ordinance does not cover. The following list includes key resources to housing laws outside the scope of the Rent Stabilization Ordinance. These resources are integral in understanding different areas of housing law that permit landlords to manage a profitable business while protecting their investment and ensuring tenants enjoyment of their rental homes while protecting their rights.
California Department of Consumer Affairs
(800) 952-5210
Landlord/Tenant related questions or concerns
Phone: (833) 223-RENT (7368)
Email: rent@dcba.lacounty.gov
Website: rent.lacounty.gov
Department of Consumer and Business Affairs County of Los Angeles
(800) 593-8222
What is the limit on Security Deposits?
When does the landlord have to return a security deposit?
Is there a mediation service?
How can I file a Small Claims lawsuit?
Must a tenant renew the lease agreement?
Who is responsible for repair fees?
What notice requirements under State law?
Can the owner enter a rental unit without asking the tenant?
Who should make the repairs in my rental unit?
What happens when a lease runs out?
Should rental agreements be in writing?
Where can a landlord obtain assistance during a foreclosure?
What are tenant rights when a property is foreclosed?
(213) 387-8400 or (800) 477-5977
What is discrimination? (Harassment, Retaliation)
Is a tenant entitled to a Reasonable Accommodation or Modification (access ramps, shower bars, parking, caregiver, etc)?
Does a landlord have to allow a service animal?
Lawyer Referral Services – Los Angeles County Bar Association
(213) 627-2727
How do I handle an eviction lawsuit and appeal?
Can a tenant be locked out without a court order?
How can I find a lawyer to represent me?
Who is considered a squatter?
Are voluntary vacate agreements for compensation allowed?
What if I am not satisfied with my attorney’s representation?
County of Los Angeles Department of Public Environmental Health (Habitability Issues)
(888) 700-9995
Who do I contact for mold, bedbugs, insects or rats?
Who can a tenant call for illegal utility shut offs?
Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority
(213) 683-3333
What if I need emergency shelter due to a fire, lock-out or other situation that requires a tenant move out of a unit?
Where can I get referrals for emergency transportation and social services?
Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety
311
Who inspects single family dwellings, condominiums, commercial buildings?
Who issues permits and Certificates of Occupancy?
State of California – Department of Housing and Community Development
(800) 952-5275
Who inspects mobile home parks?
Where can mobile home parks be registered?
EVICTION ASSISTANCE – IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED A COURT DOCUMENT SUCH AS A UNLAWFUL DETAINER, PLEASE SEE LEGAL ASSISTANCE. YOU MAY FILE A COMPLAINT FOR A POSSIBLE VIOLATION OF THE RENT STABILIZATION ORDINANCE (RSO) OR THE MAYOR’S EMERGENCY ORDER.
The Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) covers rental housing units in the City of Los Angeles. Most rental units subject to the RSO were issued a Certificate of Occupancy from the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety on or before October 1, 1978. If you have experienced a violation(s) of the RSO for any of the following reasons listed below, and have unsuccessfully been able to resolve the issue(s) with your landlord, please click the Tenant Complaint Form below.
Reason for Complaint:
Unit Not Registered – Your rental unit is not registered.
- Illegal Eviction – Received a verbal or written notice to move-out without a valid reason as listed under the RSO or the Emergency Order including the landlord demanding documentation or to sign a repayment plan (Illegal Eviction in Español) .
- Non-Payment of Relocation Assistance – Did not receive relocation assistance fees due to a no-fault eviction (Non-Payment of Relocation Assistance in Español).
- Illegal Rent Increase – Received a verbal or written notice demanding more rent than allowed under the RSO or the Emergency Order rent increase freeze.
- Reduction of Services – A housing service provided to you at the beginning of your tenancy has been removed or is no longer accessible.
- Failure to Post RSO Notice – There is no notice on the property that indicates your property is subject to the RSO. (Failure to Post RSO Notice in Español)
- Illegal Buyout Agreement – Received an offer or signed a buyout agreement in exchange to move out of your rental unit and the RSO Disclosure Notice was not given and/or the Buyout Agreement is not in compliance with the RSO.
- Required Online Payment/Electronic Fund Transfer – Your landlord has requested to only submit your rental payments online or by electronic fund transfer.
The HCIDLA Rent Stabilization Division Investigations and Enforcement Section can not address issues such as harassment, discrimination, retaliation, habitability or return of security deposits. Such matters must be decided in court.
There is no charge for filing a complaint. There are no anonymous complaints since each complaint requires documentation to support the violation(s). The length of an investigation varies. If an investigation reveals a violation of the RSO or Eviction Moratorium, you will be contacted before your landlord is notified of the violation(s).
FILE A COMPLAINT
FILE A COMPLAINT (English) I ARCHIVE UNA QUEJA EN ESPAÑOL (Spanish)
Note: Information provided to the Los Angeles Housing + Community Investment Department (HCIDLA) may be subject to the California Public Records Act (CPRA).