Why Inglewood Has Some of the Strictest Rental Property Rules in the State

Every city handles rental property rules a little differently. In Inglewood, California, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Rent Control

Inglewood has a local rent control ordinance (IMC Chapter 8, Articles 9 and 10). Covered multi-unit buildings: increases limited to greater of 3% or CPI in 12 months. Properties with 4 or fewer units: increases capped at lower of 5% + CPI or 10%. Covers units built before February 1, 1995 (with 15-year rolling exemption for new construction).

Key details: Multi-Unit Cap: Greater of 3% or CPI. Small Property Cap: Lower of 5%+CPI or 10%. Coverage: Built before Feb 1, 1995. New Construction: 15-year rolling exemption. Code: IMC Chapter 8, Art 9 & 10.

Exceeding allowed rent increase: tenant may file complaint with rent board. Overcharges must be refunded with interest. Repeated violations: fines $1,000 to $10,000.

This is one of the stricter rules in Inglewood's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Rental Registration

All Inglewood property owners with rental units (including single-family, condos, townhomes, duplexes) must register annually with the city. Registration includes a fee and updated tenant information. This applies to all landlords, not just those under rent control.

Key details: Registration: Annual, mandatory for all rental units. Coverage: SFR, condos, townhomes, duplexes. Fee: Annual registration fee. Info Required: Tenant information updates.

Operating without registration: fines $100 to $1,000 per unit. Failed inspection: correction notice, re-inspection required. Renting uninhabitable unit: penalties up to $5,000 and potential criminal charges.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Inglewood actively enforces its rental registration requirements.

Just Cause Eviction

After 12 months of continuous occupancy, landlords can only terminate covered tenancies for just cause under IMC Article 8-9. No-fault evictions require relocation assistance of 3x monthly rent plus $2,000 if minors reside in the unit. Anti-harassment and buyout provisions included.

Key details: Trigger: 12 months continuous occupancy. Relocation: 3x monthly rent. Minors Bonus: +$2,000 if minors in unit. Anti-Harassment: Provisions included. Code: IMC Article 8-9.

Wrongful eviction: tenant may sue for damages and relocation costs. No-fault eviction without relocation payment: fines $5,000 to $15,000. Retaliatory eviction: treble damages possible.

Compared to other cities, Inglewood takes a harder line on just cause eviction. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Inglewood is tougher than many cities when it comes to rental property rules. Out of the 3 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Inglewood, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

These rules come from Inglewood's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.