LA Rent Law Guide
LA RSO rent cap for 2026, notice requirements, and how to serve a legal rent increase notice. Includes calculations and templates.
Los Angeles Rent Stabilization Ordinance
Los Angeles Municipal Code Chapter XV, Article 1 (§§ 151.00-151.31)
California Tenant Protection Act of 2019
California Civil Code §§ 1946.2, 1947.12
Step 1: Calculate Legal Amount
Current rent × 1.04 = maximum legal new rent. Example: $2,000 × 1.04 = $2,080
Step 2: Check Last Increase
Confirm it has been 12 months since the last increase. Cannot increase more than once per year.
Step 3: Draft Notice
Use LAHD form or legally compliant language. Must include: current rent, new rent, effective date, and citation to RSO.
Step 4: Serve Notice
Personally deliver or mail certified mail (proof of service required). Notice must be in tenant's preferred language if requested.
Step 5: Effective Date
Increase takes effect 30 days after notice is served. If increase is 10% or more, 60-day notice may be required.
Mistake 1: Increasing rent more than 4% — illegal; entire increase can be challenged
Mistake 2: Not waiting 12 months between increases — RSO caps frequency
Mistake 3: Using wrong notice format — notice must contain specific RSO language
Mistake 4: Not providing bilingual notice when tenant requests — violates LA law
Mistake 5: Increasing rent as retaliation for complaints — illegal; tenant can sue for damages
Mistake 6: Claiming the 10% threshold for 60-day notice when cap is only 4%