2025 Los Angeles Renter Protections: Everything Landlords and Tenants Need to Know

As housing policies continue to evolve, 2025 brings critical updates for both landlords and tenants in the City of Los Angeles. With new adjustments to rent control laws, eviction procedures, and tenant relocation rules, staying compliant is more important than ever. Whether your property is covered by the Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO), Just Cause Ordinance (JCO), or California’s statewide AB 1482 law, this guide breaks down what’s changed and what you need to do.

Key Takeaways

• Rent increases under RSO capped at 3% from July 2025 through June 2026.
• AB 1482 allows a maximum rent hike of 8% for 2025–2026 on qualifying units.
• Just Cause protections apply after six months or at the end of the initial lease term.
• No-fault evictions require a Declaration of Intent and relocation assistance.
• Tenants facing economic displacement or high rent hikes may qualify for financial support.
• Right to Counsel and Anti-Harassment Ordinances remain in full effect for tenants.

Table of Contents

• Overview of LA Tenant Protection Laws
• State Law: AB 1482 & Its Impacts
• Eviction Rules: At-Fault vs. No-Fault
• Relocation Assistance Requirements
• Tenant Rights Beyond Eviction & Rent
• Best Practices & Compliance Tips for Landlords
• Recommendations for Tenants
• Patti’s Thoughts

Overview of LA Tenant Protection Laws

Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO)

The RSO applies to most multifamily buildings built before 1978. For July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, rent increases are capped at 3%. An additional 1% can be added for gas and 1% for electric if those utilities are included in rent.

Notably, “banking” of rent increases during the pandemic period (March 2020 to January 2023) remains prohibited. RSO rent hikes are allowed only once every 12 months.

Just Cause Ordinance (JCO)

The JCO extends eviction protections to tenants in non-RSO units. These protections apply once a tenant completes either six months of tenancy or the initial lease term—whichever comes first. Landlords must have a valid legal reason to terminate the lease.

State Law: AB 1482 & Its Impacts

AB 1482, the California Tenant Protection Act, applies to non-RSO units built more than 15 years ago. As of August 1, 2025 through July 31, 2026, rent increases under AB 1482 are capped at 8%.

This law also mandates just cause for eviction, similar to the JCO, and excludes single-family homes—unless owned by corporate entities. Disclosure requirements still apply in all cases.

Eviction Rules: At-Fault vs. No-Fault

At-Fault Evictions

These are based on tenant actions and include:

• Nonpayment of rent
• Lease violations
• Nuisance behavior
• Illegal activity
• Unauthorized occupants
• Denial of access
• Failure to sign a similar lease

No-Fault Evictions

Permitted reasons include:

• Owner or family member occupancy
• Resident manager move-in
• Withdrawal from the rental market
• Government order compliance
• Conversion to affordable housing

Landlords must submit a Declaration of Intent to Evict to the Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD) and pay relocation fees.

Relocation Assistance Requirements

All no-fault evictions require landlords to provide relocation assistance. The amount varies based on tenancy type and length of occupancy.

Relocation Fees (July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026):

• Qualified tenants with <3 years: $13,950
• Tenants with ≥3 years or low income: $26,550
• Mom-and-pop landlords may pay a reduced fee: $10,200

Economic Displacement

If tenants receive a rent increase of over 8% and cannot afford to stay, they may be entitled to relocation assistance. For example:

• 1-bedroom unit: up to $7,654
• 3-bedroom unit: up to $11,416

These amounts include moving costs and are adjusted annually.

Tenant Rights Beyond Eviction & Rent

Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance

Landlords are prohibited from using intimidation, disruption of services, or other tactics to force tenants out. Violations may result in fines and legal action.

Right to Counsel (RTCPO)

Tenants facing eviction may be eligible for free legal help through the Right to Counsel Program. Landlords must:

• Provide a Notice of Right to Counsel at lease signing
• Include this notice with eviction or subsidy termination notices
• Post the notice in common areas

Best Practices & Compliance Tips for Landlords

• Post LAHD-approved notices in English, Spanish, and other required languages in common areas.
• Submit any eviction notice to LAHD within 3 business days of service.
• Rent increases over 10% require 90 days’ notice; 30 days for anything under.
• File all no-fault evictions through housing.lacity.gov with appropriate fees.
• Always check RSO or JCO status using ZIMAS: zimas.lacity.org.

Recommendations for Tenants

• Use ZIMAS to confirm if your rental is protected under RSO or JCO.
• Contact Stay Housed LA (888-694-0040) for legal assistance if you receive a summons.
• Apply for relocation if economically displaced.
• Report harassment to housing.lacity.gov/residents/tenant-anti-harassment/.
• Review Fair Market Rent (FMR) thresholds before assuming risk of eviction for unpaid rent.

Patti’s Thoughts

Staying informed about 2025 Los Angeles renter protections is essential—whether you’re a landlord managing compliance or a tenant asserting your rights. With clear rules for rent increases, eviction justifications, and relocation aid, this year’s updates create both obligations and protections.

For ongoing support and insights, join Widget’s Way and get access to exclusive landlord tools, expert webinars like Wednesdays with Widget, and personalized consulting to stay ahead in California’s complex rental landscape.