As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect the economy, many renters in Los Angeles are wondering if they can expect a rent increase. The answer is complicated, as it depends on the type of housing and the age of the building. The rules in Los Angeles County include freezing all rent increases during the pandemic for rent-controlled housing. This ban on increases will continue until the end of December 2020.
This is the first time in more than four decades that owners of Los Angeles rental properties have been blocked from any increase. However, landlords are still able to charge whatever they want for the apartments once the tenant vacates. If you live in an apartment newer than 1979, you could qualify for anti-price increases that limit rent increases to no more than 10% within a year during declared states of emergency. You should contact the City to verify if those regulations apply to your situation. In addition, the state limit for rent increases and the rules against price increases apply to all apartments over 15 years old if they are not under rent control.
There are nearly two dozen local jurisdictions that have rent control policies, including Los Angeles and San Francisco. No tenant living in a rent-stabilized apartment in the city of Los Angeles is allowed to raise their rent right now. However, starting August 1, California landlords can increase rents on some apartments by up to 10%, which is the maximum allowed by state law. Unfortunately, huge rent increases are taking place for many Los Angeles renters despite state and local laws aimed at preventing landlords from passing on massive increases. It is important for renters to be aware of their rights and to contact their local government if they feel their landlord is unfairly raising their rent.
