Huntington Park, CA Rental Property Rules: Rent Increase Notice (2026)

Section 8-21.6 covers the notice owed when the Community Development Department approves an increase above the 3% or CPI cap. A landlord who believes the cap prevents a fair and reasonable return files an application with the Department, with expenses such as mortgage loan payments, taxes, utilities and insurance. The Department weighs the landlord's income and expenses, property tax changes, CPI changes, prior hearing history, capital improvements and repairs beyond ordinary wear and tear. If an increase beyond the cap is approved, the landlord gives the tenant at least 30 days' notice by personal service or certified mail, return receipt requested.

Registration comes first. Section 8-21.10 bars any landlord from demanding, accepting or retaining rent on a covered unit without registering it and serving the tenant, or displaying in a conspicuous place, proof of registration. Landlords who fail to register cannot enforce rent increases or evictions, and rent or increases collected on an unregistered unit must be returned or credited to the tenant. Section 8-21.11(b) declares void any increase imposed without proper registration or notice procedures.

Capital improvement pass-throughs have their own timing under Section 8-21.5: tenants get at least 30 days' advance notice with detailed cost documentation approved by the Community Development Director, and the landlord applies within six months of completing the work.

Section 8-21.15 requires landlords to give each tenant a form notice of tenant rights before or when agreeing to rent, attached to the written agreement, and again on renewal. Section 8-21.12 lets either party appeal a Director's decision to the City Clerk within 30 calendar days for a hearing officer, whose decision is final. A rent increase within 180 days of a tenant's protected activity is presumed retaliatory under Section 8-21.8(g).