L.A. Mun. Code ch. XV art. 1; ch. XVI art. 5 § 165.02
DEFINITIONS (Los Angeles Rent Stabilization Ordinance and Just Cause for Eviction Ordinance)
Operative Text
The following words and phrases, whenever used in this Article, shall be construed as defined in this section. Department. The Los Angeles Housing Department and any successor department. Landlord. An owner, lessor, or sublessor (including any person, firm, corporation, partnership, or other entity) who is entitled to offer residential real property for rent, receive rent for the use or occupancy of residential real property, or maintain an action for possession of residential real property, or the agent, representative or successor of any of the foregoing. Qualified Tenant. Any tenant who satisfies any of the following criteria on the date of service of the written notice of termination: aged 62 or older; handicapped as defined in Section 50072 of the California Health and Safety Code; disabled as defined in Title 42 United States Code § 423; or a person residing with and on whom is legally dependent (as determined for federal income tax purposes) one or more minor children. Rent. The consideration, including any bonus, benefits or gratuity, demanded or received by a landlord for or in connection with the use or occupancy of residential real property, including, but not limited to, monies demanded or paid for the following: meals when required by the landlord as a condition of the tenancy; parking; furnishings; other housing services of any kind; subletting; or security deposits. Residential real property. Any dwelling or unit that is intended for human habitation. Tenant. A tenant, subtenant, lessee, sublessee or any other person entitled to use or occupancy of residential real property.
Section 165.02 of L.A. Municipal Code Chapter XVI, Article 5 establishes the foundational vocabulary used throughout the Article, setting out who and what is covered by its rules. Key terms include 'Landlord,' which extends beyond individual owners to firms, corporations, and their agents; 'Tenant,' which covers anyone with a right to occupy residential property; and 'Qualified Tenant,' a protected category encompassing seniors 62 or older, people with certain disabilities or handicaps, and those legally responsible for minor dependents. 'Rent' is defined broadly to include not just base payments but also charges for parking, furnishings, meals, and security deposits, while 'Residential real property' covers any dwelling intended for human habitation.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 165.02, the definitions in this Article apply broadly to anyone who owns, leases, or subleases residential property in Los Angeles—including agents and corporate entities—so operators generally ensure that all personnel acting on their behalf understand they fall within the Article's definition of 'Landlord.' Because 'Rent' is defined to include charges beyond base monthly payments—such as parking fees, furnishing costs, and required meal plans—compliant operators typically account for all such charges when evaluating their obligations under the Article. Identifying whether a tenant meets the 'Qualified Tenant' criteria, such as age 62 or older or legal dependency of minor children, is also a standard part of the notice and termination review process under this framework.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 165.02 establishes that the term 'Tenant' covers a wide range of occupants—including subtenants and lessees—meaning many residents may have protections under this Article even if they are not the primary leaseholder. The 'Qualified Tenant' definition is particularly significant, as it identifies categories of residents—such as those who are elderly, disabled, handicapped, or supporting minor dependents—who may be entitled to additional protections when a termination notice is served. Tenants who believe they meet one of these definitions and are facing a termination action may find it useful to review their status under § 165.02 and can explore options such as raising the classification as a defense, contacting the Los Angeles Housing Department, or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for general guidance.
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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