Rent control in Los Angeles, CA

2 rules apply — the local one first, then the county and state rules that bind alongside it.

Research, not legal advice

These summaries are compiled from ordinance text and public sources and are dated at the point they were last checked. Rules change between checks — Newark replaced its whole registration regime in a single month — so confirm anything you are about to underwrite against the primary source or the municipal office named in the citation.

RSO cap cut to 90% of CPI, within a 1–4% range

Los Angelesmedium confidence

Verified on 2026-08-01 — 15 days ago.

The Rent Stabilization Ordinance cap was cut from a 3–8% range to 90% of CPI within a 1–4% range. The ordinance passed on 12 December 2025 and took effect in early February 2026, with a transitional 3% ceiling until 30 June 2026 and a 4% maximum applying to increases from 1 July 2026.

A pro forma built on the old 3–8% range overstates achievable growth by roughly half. Check which ceiling applies to the increase date, not to the purchase date.

Annual cap: 4%

In effect since 2026-02-01.

Sources

Los Angeles Rent Stabilization Ordinance — L.A. Mun. Code ch. XV; ordinance adopted 12 December 2025
LA Housing Department — RSO rent increases

AB 1482 caps increases at 5% plus CPI, to a 10% ceiling

Californiamedium confidence

Verified on 2026-08-01 — 15 days ago.

The Tenant Protection Act caps annual rent increases at 5% plus CPI, with a hard ceiling of 10%, on housing built more than 15 years ago.

The 15-year window rolls forward, so a building drifts into coverage with age rather than being fixed by its construction date at purchase.

Annual cap: 10%
Construction: Built before 2011

In effect since 2020-01-01.

Sources

California Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482) — Cal. Civ. Code §1946.2, §1947.12

Every rule for Los Angeles, CA