When your lease ends in LA, you have more protections than you might think. Thanks to state and local laws, most tenants cannot simply be kicked out when the lease term is up. Here's what happens and what you can do.
What Happens When Your Lease Ends
When your initial lease term expires, one of three things typically happens:
- Month-to-month tenancy — You stay without signing a new lease
- Lease renewal — You sign a new lease (possibly with different terms)
- Move out — You give notice and leave
Month-to-Month Tenancy
In California, if you stay after your lease ends without signing a new one, you automatically become a month-to-month tenant. All the terms of your original lease still apply—you just don't have a fixed end date.
Month-to-Month Benefits
- • Same lease terms continue
- • You can leave with 30 days notice
- • You still have Just Cause protection (if you qualify)
- • Landlord must give proper notice for changes
Just Cause Protection
In LA, after you've lived in your apartment for 12 months, you gain Just Cause eviction protection under California law (AB 1482). This means your landlord cannot simply refuse to renew your lease—they need a valid reason.
Who's Protected
- Tenants who have lived in the unit for 12+ months
- Most rental properties (some exceptions for single-family homes)
- RSO tenants have even stronger protections
Who's NOT Protected
- Single-family homes (with proper notice from landlord)
- Buildings built in the last 15 years
- Owner-occupied duplexes
- Certain affordable housing with other protections
Rent Increases at Renewal
Your landlord can raise your rent when renewing, but there are limits:
Rent Increase Limits
Limited to ~3-8% per year (set by Rent Adjustment Commission)
Limited to 5% + local CPI (max 10% per year)
No cap (single-family homes, new buildings, etc.)
Negotiating Your Renewal
You may be able to negotiate better terms:
- Ask about the increase — Is it negotiable?
- Offer a longer lease — 2-year lease for a smaller increase
- Point to market rates — If similar units rent for less, mention it
- Highlight your record — Good tenants are valuable
- Request repairs — Negotiate improvements in exchange for signing
Notice Requirements
If your landlord wants to change terms or terminate your tenancy:
- 30 days notice — For tenants under 1 year
- 60 days notice — For tenants 1 year or more
- 90 days notice — For rent increases over 10%
If Your Landlord Doesn't Renew
If you have Just Cause protection and your landlord refuses to renew without a valid reason, this may be an illegal eviction. Contact a tenant rights organization immediately.
What to Do Before Lease Ends
- Check your protections — Are you covered by RSO or AB 1482?
- Review your lease — What does it say about renewal?
- Start the conversation early — 60-90 days before expiration
- Get everything in writing — Any new terms or agreements
- Know your market — What are similar units renting for?