Los Angeles County, CA Rental Property Rules: Rent Control (2026)
Rent control rules in Los Angeles County, CA, also known as rent stabilization or rent cap ordinances, limit annual rent increases and protect tenants from displacement.
Key Facts
- Max annual increase
- 3% (up to 5% luxury units)
- Applies to
- Pre-Feb. 1, 1995 units, unincorporated only
- Registration
- Annual, with DCBA
- Notice required
- 30 days before increase
- Max fine
- $1,000 per violation per day
Summary
Unincorporated LA County caps annual rent hikes on pre-1995 rental units at 3% (up to 4% for small landlords, 5% for luxury units) under the Rent Stabilization and Tenant Protections ordinance: the City of LA and other cities are not covered.
Effective January 1, 2025, annual Rent increases for Fully Covered Rental Units are limited to sixty percent (60%) of the percentage change in the average CPI over the previous 12-month period ending in September, not to exceed a maximum Rent increase of three percent (3%), unless otherwise approved by the Department.
Full Breakdown
The County's Rent Stabilization and Tenant Protections chapter applies only to Fully Covered Rental Units in the unincorporated areas: generally buildings with a certificate of occupancy issued on or before February 1, 1995. Landlords must register each unit annually with the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs and give 30 days' notice before any increase. Since January 1, 2025, increases are capped at 60% of the CPI change, up to 3% (4% for Small Property Landlords, 5% for Luxury Units), with only one increase per 12 months.
Violations & Fines
Violating landlords or tenants face administrative fines up to $1,000 per day from DCBA, plus civil penalties up to $1,000, and criminal misdemeanor exposure (fine and/or up to 6 months in County jail); tenants may also withhold excess rent as a defense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this cover the City of Los Angeles?
Which rental units are covered?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles County
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles County to another location·View the California rental property rules overview
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