Los Angeles County officials warn landlords raising rents before the Tenant Protection Act of 2019 takes effect on January 1, 2020, that existing laws protect most tenants from rent spikes or no-fault evictions in unincorporated areas of the country.

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1482, aka the Tenant Protection Act, into law on October 8.

The bill will restrict rent increases on most rental housing statewide and includes important eviction protections for tenants so they cannot be displaced without cause.

However, recent media reports indicate some landlords have served their tenants with rent spikes and eviction notices prior to AB 1482’s effective date.

The LA County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs, which enforces rent stabilization and related tenant-protections laws in unincorporated areas, reminds landlords and renters of existing laws prohibiting large rent increases or evictions without cause.

“In many cases, tenants served with increases or eviction notices will be displaced or irreparably harmed financially,” said DCBA’s Director, Joseph M. Nicchitta. “In unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, renters are already protected from eviction without just cause. Many other cities in Los Angeles County also have laws protecting tenants from rent increases and evictions. Landlords and tenants should educate themselves about their rights and responsibilities under the law.”

On Nov. 20, 2018, the Board of Supervisors adopted an interim rent stabilization ordinance applicable to the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. The ordinance is effective independent of AB 1482 and:

* Caps rent increases at 3% per year for units built before February 2, 1995
* Establishes “just cause” eviction protections for all renters in unincorporated County regardless of when their units were built, with limited exceptions.
* Requires landlords to provide DCBA a copy of all eviction notices.
* Establishes fines of up to $1,000 per day for violations of the ordinance.

If you live or own property in the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, you can learn more about L.A. County’s rent stabilization ordinance by visiting rent.lacounty.gov or calling (833) 223-7368.

Since 1976, the County of Los Angeles Department of Consumer and Business Affairs has served consumers, businesses, and communities through education, advocacy, and complaint resolution. We work every day to educate consumers and small business owners about their rights and responsibilities, mediate disputes, investigate consumer fraud complaints, and enforce Los Angeles County’s minimum wage and rent stabilization ordinances. For more information, visit dcba.lacounty.gov.