March 25th, 2021 | Is My Rental Unit Subject to the Rent Stabilization Ordinance?, Renters, Residents|
Photo by Aydin Palabiyikoglu under CC BY 2.0
If you own rental property in the City of Los Angeles, it may be subject to the city’s Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO). Find out if your property falls under this ordinance and what you need to know to be in compliance.
Generally, the RSO applies to rental properties that were first built on or before October 1, 1978 as well as replacement units under LAMC Section 151.28 and is any of the following:
Mobilehomes and recreational vehicles in mobilehome parks are also covered under the RSO.
Allowable rent increases
Registration of rental units
Types of evictions requiring payment of tenant relocation assistance
RSO disclosure notice for all “Cash for Keys” or Buyout Agreements
Capital Improvement Program: Landlords can recover costs for improvements to the rental unit or common areas for items that benefit the tenant and will last at least five years (RAC Reg 210).
Primary Renovation Program: Landlords can recover costs for major renovations of building systems or to reduce exposure to hazardous materials (RAC Reg 220).
Seismic Retrofit Program: Landlords can recover costs for seismic retrofit work mandated by the Soft-Story Ordinance No. 183893.
Rehabilitation Program: Landlords can recover costs for work in a unit or common area to comply with an order issued by HCIDLA or other government entities (RAC Reg 250).
Just and Reasonable Rent Increase: A landlord can apply for a rent increase when their net operating income adjusted for inflation is not sufficient to cover the property’s operating expenses (RAC Reg 240).
Luxury Exemption: A landlord can apply for an exemption from the RSO if they can establish the monthly rent charged on or before May 31, 1978*.
How to Calculate Rent Increases and Surcharges.
All Properties with RSO rental units must post notification that the property is subject to the RSO. Click here to download the RSO English Post Notification or the RSO Spanish Post Notification.
All units rented or offered for rent must be registered annually with HCIDLA. New property owners have 45 days to register their rental property and if applicable, file Temporary exemptions.
Beginning in 2017, in addition to paying the annual registration fee, landlords must also complete the Rent Registry form.
Failure to pay rent
Failure to fix or address a violation of the rental agreement
Creating a nuisance or causing damage to the rental unit
Using the rental unit for an illegal purpose
Failure to renew a similar rental agreement
Failure to provide the landlord reasonable access to the rental unit
The person at the end of the lease term is a subtenant not approved by the landlord
The owner, or immediate family member will move into the rental unit
A resident manager will move into the rental unit
Demolition and permanent removal from the rental market
Government order
Conversion to affordable housing
No-fault evictions require the payment of relocation assistance.
File a Landlord Declaration of Intent to Evict filed with the HCIDLA.
Give tenant a 30-day and 60-day written notice (some evictions require 120-day notice or up to a 1 year extension).
Payment of tenant relocation assistance.
Learn about the city’s regulations that protect the health, safety and welfare of residents and whether your property is meeting City standards.
We offer services for landlords that include workshops on the Rent Stabilization Ordinance, online bill payment and registering a foreclosed property online, to name a few.
Even if your property is not covered under the Rent Stabilization Ordinance, you and your tenants have rights and responsibilities under California Law.
What’s New – Rent Stabilization Update
What’s New – Rent Stabilization Update Spanish
Guide for Los Angeles Tenants & Landlords
Free Informational RSO Workshops Schedule
RSVP now to reserve a spot at our various RSO Workshops held throughout the city.
View the Department’s calendar of events.
Pay your annual bill
Bill payment has never been easier. Login to your account online and view statements, apply for exemptions and receive email notifications. It’s that simple. Create an account today.
Rent Control Property Overview Rent Stabilization Ordinance Rental Property Owners RSO
Last modified: March 25, 2021