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If you own rental property in Los Angeles, 2026 has brought some of the most significant changes to rent control and tenant protection laws in decades. Between new city ordinances, updated state regulations, and expanded compliance requirements, staying on the right side of the law has never been more complex—or more important.
This guide breaks down the key changes affecting LA landlords right now, what they mean for your bottom line, and how to stay compliant without losing sleep.

The New RSO Formula: A Major Shift

After years of debate, the LA City Council approved a major overhaul of the Rent Stabilization Ordinance formula in December 2025. The changes took effect January 24, 2026, and the new calculation method kicks in on July 1, 2026.
For the current period (June 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026), the maximum allowable rent increase for RSO units is 3%. If you as a landlord provide gas and electric service to the tenant, you can add an additional 1%.
Starting July 1, 2026, the annual allowable increase will be calculated based on 90% of the Consumer Price Index (down from 100%), with a new ceiling of just 4% (down from 8%) and a new floor of 1% (down from 3%). This is a significant reduction that will directly impact rental income projections for thousands of property owners.

The Statewide Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482)

Beyond LA’s local RSO, the California Tenant Protection Act continues to apply to most rental units built before January 1, 2005. As of January 2026, the maximum allowable annual increase under AB 1482 in the Los Angeles area is 8% (5% plus the local CPI of 3%). Keep in mind that the TPA does not override LA’s stricter local rent control—tenants are always covered by whichever law provides the stronger protection.

New Laws You Need to Know About

AB 628: Mandatory Stoves and Refrigerators

Effective January 1, 2026, landlords are now required to provide and maintain working stoves and refrigerators in all rental units. A microwave or hot plate does not count. Units without these appliances can be deemed uninhabitable, which means potential fines and penalties from housing inspectors. If you have older units—especially bachelor apartments—that were never designed with full cooking appliances, now is the time to budget for installation.

AB 1414: Tenant Internet Choice

Landlords can still offer bulk internet service to tenants, but renters now have the legal right to refuse and select their own provider. If the landlord refuses to honor this, the tenant can deduct the cost of their preferred internet plan from the rent. Tenants who exercise this right are also protected from retaliation.

SB 610: Post-Disaster Responsibilities

In the wake of the January 2025 fires, this new law clarifies that landlords—not tenants—are responsible for removing debris and mitigating hazards caused by natural disasters. This includes mold, smoke residue, ash, asbestos, and water damage. Given LA’s increasing exposure to wildfire risk, this law has significant implications for property owners throughout the region.

Security Deposit Interest Compliance

If your property falls under the LA Rent Stabilization Ordinance, you’re required to pay annual interest on tenant security deposits. This has been the law for years, but enforcement is tightening. Tenant attorneys are now using failure to pay deposit interest as a defense to block eviction proceedings—even when rent is unpaid. The 2025 interest rate was approximately 4.32%, a significant jump from prior years.

What This Means for Your Investment

The regulatory environment in Los Angeles is getting tighter, not looser. Rent increase caps are shrinking, compliance obligations are expanding, and the consequences for missteps—from blocked evictions to fines—are becoming more severe.
For landlords who are managing their properties themselves, staying current on all of these changes is essentially a part-time job. Miss a notice requirement, fail to pay deposit interest, or miscalculate an allowable rent increase, and you could face legal action that costs far more than any management fee.

How a Property Manager Keeps You Compliant

This is exactly where a professional property manager earns their fee. At King George Property Management, we track every legislative change at the city, county, and state level. We ensure that rent increases are calculated correctly, notices are served on time, security deposit interest is paid, and your property meets all habitability standards—including the new appliance requirements.
We’ve been managing properties in Los Angeles since 1993 and have seen the regulatory landscape evolve through multiple cycles. Our systems and processes are built to keep you compliant so you can focus on the returns, not the red tape.

Get a Free Compliance Review

Not sure if your property is fully compliant with the 2026 changes? Contact King George Property Management for a free review. We’ll assess your current situation and let you know exactly where you stand.

• Phone: (818) 739-1105
• Address: 4645 Van Nuys Blvd, Suite 201, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
• Web: kgpm.com