LA Rent Control: What the RSO Actually Covers in 2026

Los Angeles has one of the oldest and most complex rent control systems in the country. The Rent Stabilization Ordinance, or RSO, has governed rental increases in the city since 1979. But understanding what it covers, and what it does not, is where most people get tripped up.

Which buildings are covered

The RSO applies to most residential rental units in buildings with two or more units that were built before October 1, 1978. That date is the bright line. If your apartment building was completed before that date, it is almost certainly covered. Single-family homes, condos, and buildings constructed after October 1978 are generally exempt. The city estimates about 630,000 units fall under the RSO, roughly 75% of the rental housing stock in LA.

What the rent increase limits actually are

The RSO caps annual rent increases at a percentage set each year by the LA Housing Department. For 2026, the allowable increase is tied to the Consumer Price Index, typically between 3% and 8%. Landlords can only raise rent once per year, and they must give 30 days written notice for increases of 10% or less, or 90 days for increases over 10%. The increase applies to the base rent, not to any separately billed utilities.

Just cause eviction

Under the RSO, landlords cannot evict tenants without one of the specific "just causes" listed in the ordinance. These include non-payment of rent, violation of lease terms, nuisance behavior, illegal use of the unit, refusal to sign a new lease with similar terms, and owner move-in. No-fault evictions like owner move-in require relocation assistance payments that range from about $8,900 to over $21,000 depending on tenant age, disability status, and length of tenancy.

What the RSO does not cover

The RSO does not apply to buildings built after October 1978, single-family homes (unless they are covered by California's AB 1482 statewide cap), government-subsidized housing, or units where the landlord shares kitchen or bathroom facilities with the tenant. It also does not cap initial rent when a unit is vacant. Landlords can set any price for a new tenant moving into an empty unit.

How to check if your unit is covered

The LA Housing Department maintains a database called ZIMAS where you can look up any address and see whether it is registered under the RSO. You can also call LAHD directly. Every RSO building is required to be registered with the city, and tenants should see a notice posted in the building confirming registration.