In Los Angeles, most renters have protection against excessive rent increases. Whether you're in an RSO building or covered by state law, there are limits on how much and how often your landlord can raise rent.
Two Protection Systems
LA renters may be protected by one or both systems:
Rent Increase Limits
Buildings with 2+ units built before Oct 1978. Limited to ~3-8% annually (set by Rent Adjustment Commission).
Most other rentals. Limited to 5% + local CPI, maximum 10% per year.
LA RSO Rent Increases
If you live in an RSO building (most buildings with 2+ units built before October 1, 1978), your rent increases are tightly controlled:
- One increase per year — Maximum 12-month gap between increases
- Amount set by city — Typically 3-8% based on inflation
- 30 days notice required — For increases under 10%
- Registration required — Landlord must register the unit with LAHD
Current RSO Increase (July 2026 - June 2027)
Check the LA Housing Department website for the current year's allowable increase percentage. Visit housing.lacity.org or call (866) 557-7368.
AB 1482 (Statewide)
If your building isn't covered by RSO, you may still be protected by California's statewide rent cap:
- Limit: 5% + local Consumer Price Index (CPI), max 10%
- Applies to: Buildings 15+ years old, most multi-unit properties
- Notice: 30 days for <10%, 90 days for >10%
Who's NOT Covered by AB 1482
- Single-family homes (if properly noticed)
- Buildings less than 15 years old
- Owner-occupied duplexes
- Some affordable housing units
- RSO units (covered by stricter local law)
Notice Requirements
Required Notice
- 30 days
For increases under 10%
- 90 days
For increases of 10% or more
- Written notice
Must be in writing, properly served
Illegal Rent Increases
Your Increase May Be Illegal If:
- • Exceeds the allowable percentage
- • Insufficient notice given
- • More than one increase in 12 months
- • RSO building not properly registered
- • Retaliatory (after you complained about repairs)
- • During a rent freeze or moratorium
How to Challenge an Illegal Increase
- Document everything — Save the notice, calculate the percentage
- Determine your protection — Is the building RSO? AB 1482?
- Contact the landlord — Point out the issue in writing
- File a complaint — LAHD for RSO, California HCD for AB 1482
- Don't just stop paying — Pay the legal amount, dispute the rest
- Seek legal help — Tenant rights organizations can assist
Resources
- LA Housing Department
(866) 557-7368 — RSO questions and complaints
- Housing Rights Center
(800) 477-5977 — Tenant counseling
- Bet Tzedek Legal Services
Free legal help for low-income tenants