The allowed rent increase depends on which law covers your building. Most older apartment buildings in LA County fall under either a local rent control ordinance or the statewide cap in AB 1482. Here are the current limits.
Current limits at a glance
| Where / which law | Max annual increase | Period |
|---|---|---|
| City of Los Angeles, RSO units | 3% | July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027 |
| California AB 1482 (LA area) | 8.7% | Increases effective Aug 1, 2026 to July 31, 2027 |
| Santa Monica rent control | 2.6%, max $70/month | From September 1, 2026 |
| Pasadena rent control | 2.5% | October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027 |
| Unincorporated LA County (RSTPO) | 1.919% standard (2.919% for qualifying small landlords) | July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027 |
Other cities, including Culver City, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood and Inglewood, set their own limits. Check the city's rent program before sending a notice.
City of Los Angeles RSO
The RSO generally covers buildings with two or more units first occupied on or before October 1, 1978. In 2026 the city changed its formula: increases are now based on 90% of the change in local CPI, with a floor of 1% and a ceiling of 4%. Since February 2, 2026, owners can no longer add an extra percentage for utilities on top of the annual increase. Increases are allowed once every 12 months.
California AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act)
AB 1482 covers most multifamily buildings over 15 years old that are not under stricter local rent control. The cap is 5% plus the regional CPI change, but never more than 10%. With LA-area CPI at 3.7% for the year ending April 2026, the cap is 8.7% for increases taking effect August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2027. Newer buildings (rolling 15-year exemption) and most single-family homes owned by individuals with proper notice are exempt.
Santa Monica, Pasadena and the county
- Santa Monica: the Rent Control Board set the 2026 general adjustment at 2.6%, capped at $70 per month, for eligible registered tenancies that began before September 1, 2025.
- Pasadena: the Rental Housing Board set the 2026-27 annual general adjustment at 2.5% (75% of LA-area CPI, rounded to the nearest quarter percent).
- Unincorporated LA County: the county's Rent Stabilization and Tenant Protections Ordinance allows 1.919% for most covered units, 2.919% for owners who certify as small property landlords.
Notice rules (state law)
- Increases of 10% or less: at least 30 days' written notice.
- Increases of more than 10% (where allowed): at least 90 days' notice.
- Local ordinances may add registration, fee payment and specific notice forms. Santa Monica and Pasadena require registration before increases.
Rent levels drive building value. If your rents are well below market because of rent control, that gap is often what buyers pay for. Get a valuation that accounts for it.
Common questions
How much can I raise rent in Los Angeles in 2026?
For City of LA RSO units, 3% from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. For units covered by California AB 1482 instead, up to 8.7% for increases effective August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2027.
Can I add a utility surcharge to an RSO rent increase in 2026?
No. Since February 2, 2026, City of LA RSO increases may not include an additional percentage for utilities.
Sources
- LAHD: Renter Protections (City of LA)
- AAGLA: CPI Update 2026, AB 1482 allowable increases
- City of Santa Monica: Maximum Lawful Rent
- City of Pasadena: 2.5% Annual General Adjustment for 2026-2027
- LA County DCBA: Rent Increases
General information for Los Angeles County owners, not legal or tax advice. Laws and figures change; confirm with the agency, your attorney or your CPA before acting.