The City of Los Angeles Rent Stabilization Ordinance uses a local calendar and local controls. For an RSO unit, the statewide Los Angeles Area cap is not the number to copy into the notice. Confirm the property status, annual RSO percentage, last increase date, utility treatment, and current LAHD instructions first.
Use the City of Los Angeles ZIMAS property search or current LAHD property tools to confirm RSO status. The Rent Stabilization Ordinance and the Just Cause Ordinance are different controls. A property can be subject to one, both, or neither. Do not use an RSO percentage without a property-level status check.
LAHD states that the RSO annual rent increase remains 3% for increases effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027. The same LAHD update explains that, effective February 2, 2026, the formula may range from 1% to 4% based on CPI, and that the annual increase must not include an additional percentage for utilities. Use the current LAHD renter protections update and RSO overview as the source of the current local rule.
| Jurisdiction | Listed annual increase | Effective period | Additional control |
|---|---|---|---|
| City of Los Angeles RSO unit | 3.0% | July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 | One increase every 12 months. No additional utility percentage after February 2, 2026. |
The 3% figure is a local ceiling for an RSO unit during this period. It is not an automatic increase. Review the resident’s current lawful rent, last increase date, lease file, housing services, and any local program requirements before choosing an amount.
Use the California notice and service guide for the 30-day or 90-day state timing test, personal delivery or mail route, mailing extension, and proof-of-service record. Then confirm the current LAHD notice and disclosure requirements for the RSO unit. A timely state notice does not replace an LAHD form, posting, registration, or disclosure that the local program requires.
Not for an RSO unit during the current local period. The RSO ceiling is the controlling local rule. Use the statewide guide only after confirming that the unit is not subject to the RSO or another stricter local rule.
Start with the address in ZIMAS and confirm the result with current LAHD property information. Save the property-level result in the notice file.
The current LAHD overview states that rent may be increased once every 12 months by the allowable percentage. Confirm the last effective date before preparing the notice.
LAHD states that, effective February 2, 2026, the RSO annual rent increase must not include an additional percentage for utilities. Keep any separate charge and its authority distinct from the annual rent increase.
Request Coastline Equity's Rent Increase Pre-Notice Review before the notice is served.
This educational guide is not legal advice. Confirm the current official statute, agency instructions, and local requirements for the property before serving a rent-increase notice.