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Los Angeles County, CA Rental Property Rules: Rent Increase Notice (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Notice period: At least 30 days, written
Citation: LA County Code § 8.52.050(A)
Scope: Unincorporated LA County only
Frequency cap: One increase per 12 months
Prerequisite: Unit registered in Rent Registry

Summary

Landlords of rent-stabilized units in unincorporated LA County must give tenants at least 30 days' written notice before any annual rent increase, and register the unit with the county's Rent Registry first.

City-specific rules exist: El Monte, Carson, Santa Clarita, Lancaster, Palmdale, Pomona, Glendale, and West Covina have their own rent increase notice rules that differ from Los Angeles County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

A Landlord may impose an annual Rent increase for any Fully Covered Rental Unit, as allowed in this Section, only after providing at least thirty (30) Days written notice to the Tenant of the Rent increase pursuant to California Civil Code section 827.

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Full Breakdown

Los Angeles County Code Chapter 8.52 (Rent Stabilization and Tenant Protections) covers 'Fully Covered Rental Units' -- generally buildings with a residential certificate of occupancy issued on or before February 1, 1995, plus rent-controlled mobilehome spaces -- in the unincorporated areas of the county. A landlord may raise rent only after giving the tenant at least 30 days' written notice under California Civil Code section 827, and only after registering the unit and paying fees in the county's Rent Registry System under section 8.52.080. Only one increase is allowed per 12-month period. The chapter binds unincorporated areas only, not the City of Los Angeles or the county's 87 other cities.

Violations & Fines

Increasing rent without 30 days' notice, or above the capped amount, lets a tenant withhold the excess and raise the violation as a defense in any eviction action for nonpayment of rent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this rule apply inside the City of Los Angeles?

No. LA County Code Chapter 8.52 governs only the unincorporated area. The City of Los Angeles runs its own Rent Stabilization Ordinance with separate notice rules.

How much can rent go up under the county ordinance?

For 2025, covered units are capped at 60% of the CPI change, up to 3%, plus 1% for small landlords or 2% for luxury units, subject to Department approval.

Sources & Official References

[1]Los Angeles County Code § 8.52.050

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