Los Angeles has some of the strongest tenant protections in California, with multiple layers of state and local laws protecting renters. Whether you're dealing with a negligent landlord, facing an eviction, or just want to know your rights before signing a lease, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Emergency Contacts
Your Right to Habitable Housing
Under California Civil Code 1941-1942.5, landlords are legally required to maintain the property in a habitable condition. This is known as the implied warranty of habitability.
Your landlord must provide and maintain:
- Weatherproofing — Roof, walls, windows, and doors
- Plumbing — Hot and cold running water, working toilets
- Heating — Adequate heating facilities (not A/C, though)
- Electricity — Safe electrical wiring, working outlets
- Sanitation — Building and grounds free from debris, garbage, rodents
- Working locks — On all exterior doors and windows
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- No lead paint hazards — Must disclose if built before 1978
Check a Building's Violation History
Before renting, see how many LAHD violations a building has. Repeated violations indicate a negligent landlord.
How to Get Repairs Done
- Notify your landlord in writing — Email or letter. Keep copies of everything.
- Give reasonable time to respond — Generally 30 days for non-urgent repairs, 24 hours for emergencies.
- Call LAHD to file a complaint — (866) 557-7368. This triggers an inspection.
- Document everything — Photos, videos, written records of communication.
California law allows you to use the "repair and deduct" remedy for repairs under one month's rent, or withhold rent in severe cases. However, these remedies have specific requirements—consult with a tenant rights organization first.
Eviction Protections
LA renters have strong eviction protections under both California's AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act) and the City of LA's Just Cause Ordinance.
Just Cause Eviction
Under California law (AB 1482), most tenants who have lived in a unit for at least 12 months cannot be evicted without "just cause." Just cause includes:
At-Fault Just Cause
- • Failure to pay rent
- • Breach of lease terms
- • Nuisance or illegal activity
- • Refusing access for repairs
- • Criminal activity on premises
No-Fault Just Cause
- • Owner or family member move-in
- • Withdrawal from rental market (Ellis Act)
- • Government order to vacate
- • Substantial renovations (limited)
* No-fault evictions require relocation assistance
If Your Landlord Tries to Illegally Evict You
- 1. Do not leave — Self-help evictions are illegal
- 2. Document everything (photos, witnesses)
- 3. Call LAPD non-emergency if locked out: (877) 275-5273
- 4. Contact a tenant rights organization immediately
The Legal Eviction Process in California
3-day notice for non-payment; 3-day notice for lease violations; 30/60-day notice for no-fault evictions
Landlord must file an unlawful detainer lawsuit in court
Official court papers delivered to you — you have 5 days to respond
You have the right to appear and defend yourself in court
Only a judge can order eviction — landlords cannot force you out themselves
Only the Sheriff can physically remove you (with court order)
This process takes weeks to months. Get free legal help: Stay Housed LA at (213) 985-4357.
Rent Stabilization (RSO)
Los Angeles has one of the largest rent control programs in the country. The Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) covers approximately 624,000 rental units.
Your apartment may be covered by RSO if:
- The building has 2 or more units
- It was built before October 1, 1978
- It's not a single-family home or condo (with some exceptions)
RSO tenants have additional protections:
- Capped rent increases — Typically 3-8% per year, set by the Rent Adjustment Commission
- Just Cause eviction — Can only be evicted for specific reasons
- Relocation assistance — If evicted for no-fault reasons
- Right to return — After certain types of evictions
Security Deposit Rights
California has strict rules about security deposits:
- Maximum deposit (unfurnished) — 2 months' rent
- Maximum deposit (furnished) — 3 months' rent
- Return timeline — Within 21 days of move-out
- Itemized deductions — Landlord must provide written statement
- Normal wear and tear — Cannot be deducted
Your Right to a Pest-Free Home
Under California law, landlords are responsible for eradicating infestations:
- Bedbugs — Landlord must hire a licensed exterminator
- Roaches — Must treat and seal entry points
- Rats and mice — Must exterminate and address building-wide issues
If your landlord refuses to act, file a complaint with LAHD: (866) 557-7368.
Protection from Harassment
Tenant harassment is illegal in LA. Harassment includes:
- Threats, intimidation, or coercion to vacate
- Interrupting essential services (water, power, gas)
- Removing or damaging your property
- Entering without proper notice (24 hours required)
- Repeated frivolous eviction attempts
- Refusing to perform repairs or maintenance
- Excessive construction designed to force you out
If you're being harassed, document everything and contact the LA Housing Department or a tenant rights organization.
How to File Complaints
Where to File Complaints
Housing violations, habitability issues. Call (866) 557-7368.
RSO rent overcharges, illegal rent increases. Call (866) 557-7368.
Tenant protection act violations. Call (213) 974-1452.
Discrimination complaints. File at dfeh.ca.gov.
Free Legal Help
LA has several organizations that provide free legal help to tenants:
- Stay Housed LA — (213) 985-4357 — Free legal help for eviction defense
- LA County Bar Association — Lawyer referral service
- Bet Tzedek — Free legal services for low-income tenants
- Housing Rights Center — (800) 477-5977 — Fair housing issues
- SAJE (Strategic Actions for a Just Economy) — Tenant organizing
Research Your Landlord
One of the best ways to protect yourself is to research the landlord before signing a lease. A landlord with a history of violations, complaints, and legal issues will likely give you problems too.
Check Building History
See how a building is rated based on violations and code compliance. Bad landlords often have violations across all their properties.