Category: Los Angeles Renter Protections

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AB 246 AB 246 California Los Angeles Renter Protections Rent Control

California’s AB 246: New Rent Freeze Measure Proposed Amid Emergency Fire Conditions

California’s AB 246 is a new piece of legislation aimed at protecting tenants and controlling rental price hikes during states of emergency. As of today (1.20.25), it is currently making its way through the CA state legislature.

The bill introduces temporary restrictions on rent increases for residential properties in Los Angeles County, effective during the ongoing emergency declared by the Governor due to the Palisades Fire and windstorm conditions, starting January 7, 2025. Here’s a summary of the key points:

Rent Increase Restrictions

  • AB 246 prohibits landlords in Los Angeles County from increasing rental rates above what was charged on January 7, 2025, for properties impacted by the emergency.
  • This restriction applies to all residential properties and remains in place for 12 months after the emergency is declared over. Violations of this rule can lead to civil penalties of up to $10,000, enforced by the district attorney.

Price Gouging and Enforcement

  • The bill also addresses price gouging by prohibiting substantial price increases for essential goods and services during a state of emergency.
  • Similar to other disaster-related price control laws, it limits price hikes to 10% above pre-emergency prices for items like food, medical supplies, and housing. The district attorney will have the authority to prosecute violations.

Eviction Protections

  • Additionally, AB 246 strengthens eviction protections during a state of emergency. It is unlawful to evict tenants for rent increases that exceed the limitations set by the bill or if the evicted unit is re-rented at a higher rate.
  • The legislation is designed to prevent landlords from using emergencies as an excuse to unfairly raise rents or evict tenants, taking advantage of vulnerable residents.

Sunset Clause

  • AB 246 is a temporary measure. It will remain in effect until 12 months after the emergency ends, at which point the law will be repealed. However, it provides significant protections to tenants during a time of crisis, preventing exploitation while the region recovers.


This bill is part of broader efforts to regulate rental practices during times of crisis, ensuring that emergency situations do not lead to unfair economic burdens on residents. Landlords in Los Angeles should be aware of these new restrictions and consult with legal professionals to ensure compliance. To read the full bill, please click here.

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Los Angeles Renter Protections Rent Control

An Update on Los Angeles Renter Protections

As you may or may not be aware, The City of Los Angeles Declaration of Local Emergency effective on March 4, 2020, terminated this past week on February 1, 2024. The provisions apply to all residential rental units in the City of Los Angeles. Below is a breakdown:


Non-Payment of Rent
 

  • Emergency Order Expired:  The City’s local COVID emergency order expired on January 31, 2023. Beginning February 1, 2023, tenants must pay their full current monthly rent in order to avoid eviction for non-payment of rent.
     
  • Low Income Renters Have More Time:  Low-income renters with income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) that could not pay rent due to COVID-19 financial impact continued to have protections through March 31, 2023, if they notified their landlord within 7 days of the rent due date unless extenuating circumstances existed. 


State Law on Non-Payment of Rent Eviction Protections

  • Tenants who provided their landlord with a COVID-19 Related Declaration of Financial Distress Form by the 15-Day deadline for rent owed from March 1, 2020 through August 31, 2020, cannot be evicted for non-payment of rent from that period. A landlord can pursue a court action in small claims court for this rent.
     
  • Tenants who provided their landlord with a COVID-19 Related Declaration of Financial Distress Form by the 15-Day deadline AND paid 25% of their rent to the landlord for rent owed from September 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021, cannot be evicted for non-payment of rent from that period. A landlord can pursue a court action in small claims court for this rent.


Covid-19 Rental Debt

  • Tenants who are not covered by the Declaration of Financial Distress process described above continue to have protections for unpaid COVID-19 rental debt and must pay their debt as follows in order to avoid eviction:

    – Rent owed from March 1, 2020 to September 30, 2021: Tenants must pay by August 1, 2023.

    – Rent owed from October 1, 2021 to January 31, 2023:  Tenants must pay by February 1, 2024.


RSO Rent Increase

  • Allowable Rent Increase for RSO Properties:  Annual rent increases for rental units subject to the City of Los Angeles Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) are prohibited through January 31, 2024. The City Council approved a 4% rent increase for properties subject to the RSO from February 1, 2024 through June 30, 2024.
     
  • Additional Increase for Utilities Provided:  An additional 1% for gas and 1% for electric service can be added if the landlord provides the service to the tenant. State law requires landlords to provide an advance 30-day written notice for rent increases of less than 10%.

Read More from The Housing Department Website