A recent Los Angeles Weekly article reports that California rent increases are double the National Average. Los Angeles residents who lease property often have to deal with issues connected to how often and the allowable amount of rent increases to the property they are leasing. This blog is meant to bring some clarity to the rules surrounding allowable rent increases.
Property owners of units that fall under Los Angeles Rent Control ordinances can only increase rent once a year. The increases usually must be 3%, plus an additional 1% if the landlord pays for gas and 1% if the landlord pays for electricity. Further, property owners can collect additional fees where they cover certain expenses. The exact amount of the yearly increase is set forth in a publication from the Los Angeles Housing Department that all rent control owners must comply with.
Otherwise, for renters without leases limiting the right, property owners may increase rents as they see fit as long as they provide their renters proper notice. Under California Civil Code Section 827, property owners must provide 30 days written notice for increases less than 10% and 60 days written notice for larger increases.
For good reason, renters often feel taken advantage of when property owners raise rents consistently. As attorneys who have represented countless property owners and countless renters in almost every situation imaginable, we can sympathize with all parties. We advise renters carefully opening up dialogue with landlords in order to highlight the ways that they have been good renters and the potential rents that can be lost if they relocate. In our experience, a carefully drafted letter can go a long way.
On the landlord side, we counsel our clients on the value of a good tenant. We also provide assistance in making sure the landlord can raise rents and do so to the full extent of the law.
To inquire about a free consultation on your real estate matter please do not hesitate to contact Schorr Law at (310) 954-1877 or [email protected]. You can also use our Contact Form to send us a message.
