Los Angeles has had its own rent stabilization ordinance since 1979. It covers most rental units in buildings with two or more units that received a certificate of occupancy before October 1, 1978, and sets one allowable annual increase, published by the Los Angeles Housing Department each year for the period starting July 1. The allowable increase has historically run between 3% and 4% (plus 1% each for gas and electricity the landlord pays), and a 2025 reform tied it to a share of CPI with a floor and ceiling — check LAHD for the figure in effect. Units not under the RSO usually fall under the statewide AB 1482 cap instead.
Use LAHD's ZIMAS property lookup (zimas.lacity.org): the RSO field on the housing tab says yes or no for the address.
Under the RSO, increases do not bank: an increase not taken in a year is lost, and the next increase is still capped at that year's allowable percentage.
California landlord-tenant laws · All states · Rent increase notice & lease templates · Landlord calculators
My Rental Spot drafts the notice, tracks the 12-month clock and updates the lease — free.
Last reviewed September 15, 2026 against LAHD — Allowable Rent Increase. Figures we re-check each year: Allowable increase for July 2026 – June 2027; Terms of the 2025 RSO formula reform. General information for landlords and renters, not legal advice; local rules can add requirements.