Don’t Let Rent Control Catch You Off Guard – LA Rent Increase Rules Every Landlord & Renter Must Know
- Philandria Washington
- Aug 31
- 2 min read
Whether you’re a seasoned landlord, a first-time rental property owner, or a renter trying to understand your rights—knowing how rent increases work in Los Angeles is critical.
One wrong move could cost you fines, legal fees, or lost rental income.
Let’s break it down step by step so you stay compliant, protect your investment, and avoid expensive mistakes.
What Is the Los Angeles Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO)?
The Los Angeles Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO), established in 1979, helps keep housing affordable by regulating rent increases while still allowing property owners a fair return on investment. The RSO applies to most rental units built on or before October 1, 1978. To expand tenant protections, California passed AB 1482 in 2020, which added rent control measures for units not covered by the RSO—extending rent increase limits and eviction protections statewide.
Here’s what landlords and tenants need to know for 2025:
Rent Increase Cap: 3% annually
You may raise rent by an additional 1-2% if you pay for electricity and gas
You may raise rent by 10% if a tenant adds another occupant
You will likely have to pay relocation fees for no-fault evictions
There are some exceptions for new construction and affordable housing
Applies to buildings 15 years old and older
Before you raise rent, make sure you:
Provide 30-day notice for increases under 10%
Provide 90-day notice for increases over 10%
Register all rental units annually with the Rent Registry
Upload all notices (3-day, eviction, etc.) to the Rent Registry
Just Cause Eviction Ordinance (JCO):
Under the JCO Just Cause Ordinance, you cannot evict a tenant without a legal reason.
Two types of evictions are:
At-Fault Evictions: Nonpayment of rent, lease violations
No-Fault Evictions: Owner move-in, taking the unit off the market, or major repair
If you are evicting a tenant for no-fault reasons, you must:
Pay relocation fees
Keep the rent the same for the next tenant
2025 City of Los Angeles Annual Rental Unit Registry Fees
Fee Type | Amount per Unit | Can You Pass to Tenant? |
RSO Rent Stabilization | $38.75 | ✔ Yes, up to $1.61/month |
SCE Systematic Code Enforcement | $67.94 | ✔ Yes, up to $2.83/month |
JCO Just Cause Ordinance | $31.05 | ❌ No (Owner Pays) |
City-Specific Rent Control Rules (2025)
City / Area | 2025 Rent Increase Cap | Annual Registration Fee | Where to Register |
Unincorporated LA County (ex. Altadena, Acton) | 3% | $90 per unit | |
Pasadena | 2.25% | $238 per unit | |
Inglewood | 3% | $206 per unit ($92 Section 8) | |
Santa Monica | 2.3% | $240 per unit |
Work With IBC Partners
Navigating rent control laws in Los Angeles can be time-consuming and confusing. IBC Partners is here to help apartment owners stay informed and compliant.
BOOK A FREE SESSION NOW – We’ll guide you through RSO, JCO, and city-specific rent control requirements so you can focus on what matters: growing your rental business.
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