L.A. Mun. Code ch. XV art. 1; ch. XVI art. 5 § 151.32
PROHIBITION ON RENT INCREASES (Los Angeles Rent Stabilization Ordinance and Just Cause for Eviction Ordinance)
Operative Text
(Added by Ord. No. 186,607, Eff. 5/14/20.) The maximum adjusted rent of any occupied rental unit may not be increased unless necessary to obtain a just and reasonable return, until one year following the termination of the local emergency. “Local emergency” is defined as the local emergency declared by the Mayor on or about March 4, 2020, and ratified by City Council, in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under L.A. Mun. Code § 151.32, rent increases on occupied rental units are prohibited during the COVID-19 local emergency—defined as the emergency declared by the Mayor around March 4, 2020 and ratified by City Council—and for one full year after that emergency ends. The only exception is when an increase is necessary for a landlord to obtain a just and reasonable return on the property.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 151.32, compliant operators generally refrain from raising rents on occupied units for the duration of the covered emergency period and for one year after it concludes. The sole recognized basis for an increase during this window is demonstrating that one is necessary to achieve a just and reasonable return, a standard that typically involves formal documentation and review.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 151.32 gives tenants in occupied rental units a strong protection against rent increases throughout the local emergency and for a year beyond its end. Tenants who receive a notice of rent increase during this period may have grounds to challenge it through the Los Angeles Housing Department or by raising the violation as a defense in any related proceeding, and tenant-rights organizations can help identify 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 4, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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