🚨 Big Changes for L.A. Renters: New Rent Caps, Free Appliances, and Crucial Tenant Rights

kestner Law

5 days ago

2 min read

City of L.A. (LARSO): For rent-stabilized units built before Oct. 1, 1978, the maximum annual rent increase is capped at 3% starting February 2, 2026. Extra fees for gas, electricity, or additional dependents are no longer allowed.
Unincorporated L.A. County (RSTPO): For eligible units built on or before Feb. 1, 1995, the max increase is 1.93% (up to 2.93% for small landlords and 3.93% for luxury units) through June 30, 2026.
State Law (AB 1482): For other older buildings across L.A. County (generally built before 2005), the maximum annual rent increase is capped at 8% (5% plus 3% local inflation). Note: Local city laws override this if they provide stronger protections.

Free Appliances Required (AB 628): Landlords must now provide working refrigerators and stoves. Rentals missing them are legally considered uninhabitable.
Social Security Protection (AB 246): If your rent payment is delayed because your Social Security benefits were delayed or reduced, you can use "Social Security hardship" as a defense in an eviction case (valid through 2029).
Banning Tech Price Fixing (AB 325): A new law cracks down on corporate landlords using secret pricing algorithms to artificially inflate rent costs.
Language Access in Evictions (AB 863): If you prefer notices in Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese, or Korean and notify your landlord, they must provide eviction paperwork in your preferred language.
Electronic Deposit Refunds (AB 414): If you paid your deposit electronically, your landlord must return it electronically unless you agree to another method in writing.
Internet Freedom (AB 1414): You have the right to refuse forced, exclusive bulk internet packages and choose your own provider without fear of retaliation.
Disaster & Eviction Rules (SB 610): If a natural disaster occurs, landlords are entirely responsible for cleaning up debris and fixing hazards (like mold or smoke damage). You do not have to pay rent during a mandatory evacuation order.

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