New Property Rental Laws In The City of LA

The City of the Los Angeles has introduced even more laws concerning ALL rental properties, including single family residences, subject to just cause protections. Here are the latest rules that owners and managers need to know for rental properties in the City of L.A.

New: Notice Requirements Must be Given to New Tenants/Renewing Tenants and Posted in Common Area (City of L.A.)

One of the most important parts of this new rule is that landlords MUST give a notice of the summary of  protections to tenancies commenced on or after January 27, 2023 or were renewed on or after January 27, 2023. The City has prepared a Notice that complies with the new law (Ordinance No. 187737). This notice must also be posted in an accessible common area of the property. 

So what are these new protections?

Non-Payment of Rent

Tenants must pay their full rent beginning February 1, 2023. However, low-income renters who cannot pay rent due to COVID-19 financial impact continue to have protections through March 31, 2023. The renters must notify their landlord within 7 days of the rent being due AND provide proof of income level. Eligible tenants will then have until March 31, 2024, to repay the Feb 2023 and March 2023 rent.

At-Fault Eviction

All renters in the City of Los Angeles have protections effective February 1, 2023, which means the landlord cannot evict without just cause such as: non-payment of rent; violation of lease/rental agreement; causing or permitting a nuisance; using the unit for an illegal purpose; failure to renew similar lease; denial of access; and being an unapproved subtenant at the end of the tenancy. The protections for non-rent stabilized units begins 6 months after the lease is entered or the end of the lease term, whichever comes first.

No-Fault Evictions

No-fault eviction reasons include: owner or approved family member occupancy; compliance with a governmental order; demolition or permanent removal from the rental market; or to convert the property to affordable housing.

Landlords are required to submit a Declaration of Intent to Evict to LAHD – City of Los Angeles Housing Department for all no-fault evictions and pay relocation fees.

Relocation Fees

Relocation assistance is required for all no-fault evictions. Single Family Dwelling relocation is one month’s rent. BUT only if the owner is a natural person and owns 4 or less residential units in Los Angeles.

The relocation fees vary from $9,200 to $22,950.

A landlord can deduct unpaid COVID rental debt from the relocation amount due.

Notice to Terminate

The other major development is that you must send all notices to terminate to the city within three business days of service on the tenant.

As a rental property owner or property manager, be sure to work with a qualified real estate attorney to guide you through the complex eviction process, ensure legally sound lease agreements, and help you comply with renter protections and landlord obligations in your jurisdiction.

Kendall Law is familiar with rental laws in the City of L.A., Los Angeles County and throughout Southern California. With their expertise, you can avoid costly fines and legal disputes, and navigate the legal landscape of rental property ownership. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Kendall Law today or call 310-619-4941 to discuss your needs and protect your rental property.