L.A. Mun. Code ch. XV art. 1; ch. XVI art. 5 § 151.11
REFUSAL OF A TENANT TO PAY (Los Angeles Rent Stabilization Ordinance and Just Cause for Eviction Ordinance)
Operative Text
(Amended by Ord. No. 156,597, Eff. 5/20/82, Oper. 5/15/82.) A. A tenant may refuse to pay any rent in excess of the maximum rent or maximum adjusted rent permitted pursuant to this chapter or regulations or orders adopted hereunder or as further permitted by this chapter or by ordinance. The fact that such rent is in excess of maximum rent or maximum adjusted rent shall be a defense in any action brought to recover possession of a rental unit or to collect the illegal rent. This subsection shall not be applicable to any rental unit not subject to the restrictions on rent set forth in this chapter. B. A tenant may withhold the payment of any rent otherwise lawfully due and owing after July 1, 1979, until such time as the landlord has complied with Section 151.04 C. and Section 151.05 A. of this Chapter. Once the landlord has complied with Sections 151.04 C. and 151.05 A. of this Chapter, the tenant becomes obligated to pay the current rent and any back rent withheld pursuant to this Subsection. (Amended by Ord. 182,359, Eff. 1/26/13.)
Under L.A. Mun. Code § 151.11, tenants covered by the city's rent stabilization rules are not required to pay rent that exceeds the legally permitted maximum, and any such excess charge cannot be used as grounds to evict them or collect a debt. Separately, tenants may also pause rent payments when a landlord has not met certain registration and disclosure requirements under Sections 151.04 C. and 151.05 A., though that withheld rent becomes due once the landlord comes into compliance.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators subject to L.A. Mun. Code § 151.11 generally stay compliant by ensuring that charges never exceed the applicable maximum rent or maximum adjusted rent and by fulfilling the registration and notice obligations set out in Sections 151.04 C. and 151.05 A. before collecting rent. A landlord who has not met those registration and disclosure requirements cannot successfully pursue an eviction or debt-collection action for rent withheld on that basis, so timely compliance with those sections is a standard part of lawful rent collection practice in Los Angeles.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under L.A. Mun. Code § 151.11, tenants in covered units have the right to refuse payment of any rent above the legally permitted maximum, and that excess charge can be raised as a defense if a landlord files an eviction or collection action. Tenants may also withhold otherwise-due rent when a landlord has not complied with the registration and disclosure requirements of Sections 151.04 C. and 151.05 A., though that withheld amount becomes owed once the landlord does comply. Tenants who believe these protections apply to their situation can contact the Los Angeles Housing Department or a local tenant-rights organization to learn more about available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 11, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.