Los Angeles has one of the largest rent control programs in the United States. The Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) covers approximately 624,000 rental units in the city of LA, protecting tenants from excessive rent increases and providing strong eviction protections. Here's how to know if you're covered.
rent increase cap
What is the RSO?
The Rent Stabilization Ordinance is LA's rent control law, enacted in 1978. It does two main things:
- Limits rent increases — Landlords can only raise rent by a set percentage each year
- Provides eviction protection — Tenants can only be evicted for specific "just cause" reasons
Is My Apartment Rent-Controlled?
Your apartment is likely covered by the RSO if it meets these criteria:
RSO Eligibility Checklist
- Building has 2 or more units
Single-family homes are not covered
- Built before October 1, 1978
Check the certificate of occupancy date
- Located within the City of LA
Different cities (Santa Monica, West Hollywood) have their own rent control
How to Check Your RSO Status
- ZIMAS — Use LA's zoning information system at zimas.lacity.org to look up your address
- Call LAHD — (866) 557-7368 can confirm RSO status
- Check your lease — RSO leases should include specific disclosures
- Look for the RSO sign — Landlords must post RSO information in common areas
Check Any LA Building
Search any LA address to see building information, including year built and potential RSO status.
Search a BuildingRent Increase Limits
Under the RSO, landlords can only increase rent once per year by an amount set by the LA Rent Adjustment Commission. The increase is typically tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Recent Allowable Increases
Current rate is available at housing.lacity.org
Important: Gas Surcharge
If your landlord pays for gas, they may add an additional 1% surcharge on top of the allowable increase. This is separate from the base increase.
Eviction Protections
RSO tenants can only be evicted for specific "just cause" reasons. These fall into two categories:
At-Fault Just Cause
- Non-payment of rent
- Violation of lease terms
- Nuisance behavior
- Illegal activity
- Refusal to sign a new lease with similar terms
- Refusal to allow lawful access
No-Fault Just Cause
- Owner move-in — Owner or qualifying relative moves in
- Ellis Act — Landlord removes all units from rental market
- Government order — Unit must be vacated
- Major renovation — Primary renovation requiring vacancy
- Condo conversion — Converting to condos (limited)
Important: For no-fault evictions, landlords must provide relocation assistance to tenants.
Relocation Assistance
If you're evicted for a no-fault reason, your landlord must pay relocation assistance. The amounts (as of 2026) are:
- $9,881 to $24,204 depending on length of tenancy
- Additional amounts for seniors (62+), disabled, or households with minor children
Check the current amounts at housing.lacity.org.
What's NOT Covered by RSO
The following are exempt from LA's RSO:
- Buildings with a certificate of occupancy after October 1, 1978
- Single-family homes (unless owned by a corporation)
- Condos and townhomes
- Most affordable housing with other rent restrictions
- Buildings with 2 units where owner lives in one (with some conditions)
Note: Even if not covered by RSO, you may be protected by California's statewide rent cap (AB 1482), which limits increases to 5% + local CPI (max 10%) for many properties.
Other Cities' Rent Control
The RSO only applies to the City of LA. Other cities have their own programs:
- Santa Monica — Strong rent control, buildings before April 10, 1979
- West Hollywood — RSO covers buildings before July 1, 1979
- Beverly Hills — Covers buildings built before February 1, 1995
If you live in an unincorporated area or a city without local rent control, California's statewide AB 1482 may still apply.