Altadena, CA Rental Property Rules: Rent Control (2026)
Rent control rules in Altadena, CA, also known as rent stabilization or rent cap ordinances, limit annual rent increases and protect tenants from displacement.
Key Facts
- Authority
- LA County RSTPO (Ch. 8.52)
- Cap (2025)
- 3% or 60% CPI (lower)
- Coverage
- Multi-unit built pre-Feb 1, 1995
- Small Landlord Bonus
- +1%
- Admin Agency
- LA County DCBA
Summary
The LA County Rent Stabilization & Tenant Protections Ordinance (RSTPO) caps annual rent increases in covered Altadena multi-unit buildings (built before Feb 1, 1995) at 3% or 60% of CPI, whichever is lower (effective 2025).
1947.12. (a) (1) Subject to subdivision (b), an owner of residential real property shall not, over the course of any 12-month period, increase the gross rental rate for a dwelling or a unit more than 5 percent plus the percentage change in the cost of living, or 10 percent, whichever is lower, of the lowest gross rental rate charged for that dwelling or unit at any time during the 12 months prior to the effective date of the increase. In determining the lowest gross rental amount pursuant to this section, any rent discounts, incentives, concessions, or credits offered by the owner of such unit of residential real property and accepted by the tenant shall be excluded. The gross per-month rental rate and any owner-offered discounts, incentives, concessions, or credits shall be separately lis
Full Breakdown
The LA County RSTPO (Title 8, Chapter 8.52 and related provisions) covers all rental units in unincorporated LA County (including Altadena) in multi-unit residential properties with certificates of occupancy issued before February 1, 1995. As of January 1, 2025, the allowable annual rent increase is the lesser of 3% or 60% of the regional CPI. Small landlords (≤4 units) who certify compliance may add 1%. Designated 'luxury units' may increase up to 5%. Single-family homes and condos are generally exempt unless owned by a corporate landlord (per AB 1482 statewide rules). The ordinance is administered by LA County Department of Consumer & Business Affairs.
Violations & Fines
Excess rent increases must be refunded. Tenants may file complaints with DCBA; civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation under the ordinance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Altadena under rent control?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Altadena
California rules heatmap·Compare Altadena to another location·View the California rental property rules overview
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Rent Control in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle rent control.