Tenant Education

Los Angeles County’s Rent Stabilization and Tenant Protections Ordinance (RSTPO)

By
Arta Wildeboer Esq.

Apr 23, 2025

Two women speaking to each other in front of a sign that says rent stabilized

What LA County’s Rent Rules Actually Do For You

A Real Talk Guide for Moms Renting in Unincorporated Areas—Especially Those Raising Neurodivergent Kids

Why This Law Matters (and Why No One Tells You About It)

If you’re renting in places like East LA, Willowbrook, or Florence-Firestone—and your landlord isn’t a big corporation—it can feel like you’re on your own. Add a neurodivergent child to that mix, and the pressure multiplies: you need stability, routine, and peace at home.

That’s where LA County’s Rent Stabilization and Tenant Protections Ordinance (RSTPO) comes in. It’s not perfect, but it gives you something powerful: leverage. It’s a legal shield, if you know how to use it. Let’s walk through what this ordinance really does—and how to use it to protect your home.

Does This Apply to Your Unit? Know Where You Stand

✅ Fully Covered Units (Stronger Protections)

  • What qualifies? Rental buildings with 2 or more units, including converted garages or ADUs, built before Feb 1, 1995, in unincorporated LA County (not inside city limits like LA or South Gate).

  • You get: rent control plus eviction protections.

🟡 Partially Covered Units (Eviction Protections Only)

  • What qualifies? Newer buildings, single-family homes where the landlord only owns one, or units built after 1995.

  • You get: protection from unfair evictions, but your rent isn’t capped.

⛔ Exempt Units

  • Brand-new builds, subsidized units with special rules (like Section 8), or places fully exempt under state/federal law.

  • No rent control, limited eviction protections.

How Much Can They Raise the Rent? Spoiler: Not Much

If you’re in a fully covered unit, your landlord can’t just raise the rent whenever they want—and certainly not by $200 overnight.

Starting January 2025, the max rent increase is:

  • 3% annually, or

  • 4% max if your landlord owns fewer than 10 units total,

  • 5% only if you’re in a “luxury unit” (rare in these neighborhoods).

But here’s the catch: they have to give you 30 days’ notice in writing, and they must be registered with the County. If they skip any of that, the increase is illegal.

Tactical Tip: Always ask: “Are you registered with the LA County Rent Registry?” If they’re not, they can’t legally raise the rent.

You Can’t Be Kicked Out Without a Legit Reason

This law says no eviction without “just cause.” That means your landlord needs a legal reason, such as:

  • Not paying rent

  • Serious lease violations

  • The landlord (or their close family) moving in

They can’t evict you just because you’re “too loud,” “ask too many questions,” or “don’t fit in.” That includes if your child has meltdowns, needs accommodations, or makes more noise than other tenants.

Relocation Assistance: If you get evicted for something like “owner move-in,” they often have to pay you money to move. Don’t leave without asking about this.

Your Rights as a Tenant (Especially If Your Child Has Needs)

🛑 No Harassment Allowed

Landlords can’t:

  • Enter without notice

  • Shut off utilities

  • Threaten you with ICE or eviction

  • Refuse to make repairs to punish you

  • Try to scare you into moving out

Put it in writing. Always. Even a text message creates a paper trail. Screenshot everything.

♿ Reasonable Accommodations Are Legally Required

If your child has autism, ADHD, sensory issues, or any diagnosis that affects how you use your home, you have a right to request things like:

  • A quiet unit

  • Flexibility with noise complaints

  • Modified rules (e.g., about visitors, behavior, etc.)

And the landlord must engage in a “good faith interactive process.” That means they can’t just ignore you. If they do, it’s a potential civil rights violation.

💵 Buyouts: Read the Fine Print

If your landlord offers you cash to move out, slow down. These “cash for keys” deals must:

  • Be in writing

  • Include a form explaining your rights

  • Give you 45 days to cancel if you change your mind

Don’t be rushed. Don’t sign anything on the spot. And definitely don’t agree to move without seeing everything in writing.

Landlord Must-Do’s (That You Can Enforce)

📝 Registration Required

If they haven’t registered with the County, they’re breaking the rules—and that matters when rent hikes or evictions happen.

📢 Notice of Tenant Rights

They’re supposed to give you a form when you move in, when they raise the rent, and every year. Most don’t. That’s their problem, not yours.

🧰 Habitability Matters

Your apartment must be safe, clean, and functional—heat, plumbing, no pests, working appliances. If it’s not, call the Department of Public Health or Code Enforcement, then use that documentation if things escalate.

What to Do If Things Go South

You don’t need to file a lawsuit to enforce your rights. Start here:

🔧 File a Complaint

LA County’s Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) takes complaints:

👩‍⚖️ Consider Legal Aid

Legal Aid Foundations (like Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles or Neighborhood Legal Services) may help for free if eviction or harassment starts.

Bottom Line: You Have More Power Than You Think

If you’re renting in LA County’s unincorporated zones, you’re not powerless. This law isn’t a magic wand, but it gives you tools. Use them. Don’t let threats or ignorance scare you into silence—or out of your home.

Need help interpreting your lease, getting accommodations, or responding to a shady rent hike? Let’s talk strategy.

When to Get a Lawyer Involved (And When You Might Not Need To)

You don’t need a lawyer for every bump in the road. But some situations are too risky or complex to handle alone—especially when housing stability and your child’s well-being are at stake. Here’s how to know when it’s time to call in legal backup.

🚨 Call a Lawyer If:

  • You get an eviction notice (especially a 3-day, 30-day, or 60-day notice).

    Don’t guess. You may have very little time to respond before losing critical rights.

  • The landlord is ignoring your request for a disability accommodation or is retaliating after you made one.

    That’s potentially a Fair Housing Act or ADA violation. You may be entitled to more than just compliance—you could have a damages claim.

  • You’re being harassed or pushed to move out with threats, unannounced visits, or false accusations.

    These are red flags for constructive eviction or tenant harassment, both of which can justify legal action or even a restraining order.

  • The landlord offers you a buyout (“cash for keys”) and you’re unsure.

    You need someone to read the fine print and help you calculate whether it’s worth it—or if you’re being lowballed.

  • You received a rent increase that seems suspicious or sudden, and you’re unsure if it’s legal under the ordinance.

    A lawyer can determine if the landlord failed to comply with notice or registration rules.

  • You’re about to move and want to protect your deposit.

     If you’re worried they’ll try to keep it unfairly, a legal consult can help you document everything before handing over keys.

🕊️ You May Not Need Legal Help If:

  • It’s a small maintenance issue (e.g., a leaky faucet or broken blinds) that the landlord usually addresses.

  • You’re requesting accommodations and the landlord is communicating in good faith and working with you.

  • You got a minor rent increase, and the notice includes clear math, the landlord is registered, and it’s within the legal cap.

  • You’re simply looking for info—County services like DCBA can walk you through most of the basics.

🔍 Where to Find Help

If you qualify as low-income, have a disability, or are already dealing with eviction threats, free legal aid may be available:

Tip: Don’t wait until you’re in court. The earlier you call, the more options you’ll have.