Rent control laws can vary a lot, even between neighboring cities in Los Angeles County. While California sets a statewide baseline with laws like AB 1482, many cities build on that foundation with their own stricter rules. If you're a landlord or other property owner, it's important to know how local ordinances apply in your area. This is especially true since breaking the rules can lead to serious penalties.
Let’s break down how rent control and tenant protections look in five key cities: Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Burbank, Glendale, and Culver City.
Los Angeles: Classic Rent Control with Added Protections
Los Angeles enforces rent control through its Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO). It applies to most multifamily buildings built before October 1, 1978. As of July 2025, landlords can raise rent by 3.0%, with an extra 1% allowed if they cover utilities like electricity or gas. Landlords must give at least 30 days’ written notice for any increase under 10%. However, "...the City of Los Angeles’ Housing and Homelessness Committee will meet to discuss modifications to the existing RSO rent increase formula, which may cause housing providers to have to “walk-back” noticed increases. We will keep our members appraised of the latest developments."
Los Angeles also has strict eviction rules. A landlord needs “just cause” to remove a tenant, and improper notices can lead to penalties. During emergencies, like the recent firestorm declarations, rent increases above 10% were banned. Violating it could have resulted in fines up to $10,000 and even jail time. For example, city officials took action after reports surfaced of landlords attempting 60% rent hikes in Venice.
Santa Monica: Rent Control With Strong Oversight
Santa Monica is one of the most tenant-friendly cities in California. Nearly all rental properties are under its Rent Control Law, overseen by a dedicated Rent Control Board. For 2025, the maximum rent increase is capped at 2.3%, with a $60/month limit for higher-rent units. These limits go into effect starting September 1, 2025.
Santa Monica also has rules against harassment, discrimination based on housing status, and unfair eviction practices. Landlords must explain any rent increases and notify tenants in writing. Violations can cost landlords up to $20,000. In recent years, the city has ramped up penalties for landlords who ignore these limits. These specifically target those attempting large rent hikes or illegal evictions.
Burbank: Expanding Tenant Protections
Burbank follows California’s state rent caps for most properties but has added its own Tenant Protection Ordinance (TPO). In 2025, the city expanded relocation assistance and stepped up its anti-harassment laws. Landlords must now pay three months’ rent to tenants evicted through no fault of their own.
Burbank also created a pilot legal program that allows the City Attorney to investigate and prosecute unlawful evictions. This came in response to growing reports of landlords violating the rules. Landlords who ignore these protections now face triple penalties in some cases.
Glendale: No Rent Control, But Strong Lease and Relocation Rules
Glendale doesn’t have a full rent control ordinance, but it still offers renters significant protection. Under its Right to Lease program, landlords must offer one-year written leases. Rent increases above 7% trigger mandatory relocation payments. Still, landlords cannot raise rent more than 8%, even if they haven't increased it in prior years ("banked" increases don’t apply).
Glendale also helps tenants and landlords understand their rights through its Rental Rights Program. It offers mediation, education, and enforcement services. While the city doesn’t cap rent like others, it ensures fair treatment during lease renewals and evictions.
Culver City: Steady Rent Caps and Strict Registration Rules
Culver City adopted permanent rent control in 2020 and continues to enforce some of the most organized policies in the region. Rent increases for qualifying units are capped at 3.25% between July and August 2025 and drop to 3.00% starting in September. Properties built after February 1, 1995, follow state rules under AB 1482.
Landlords in Culver City must also register rental units annually and pay associated fees by July 31. Pass-through costs, where landlords charge tenants for some improvements, are allowed but heavily regulated. The city continues to monitor violations closely. Culver City penalizes landlords who skip registration or exceed allowable increases.
Quick Reminders for Landlords
Whether you're new to rental property ownership or have been doing it for years, it’s easy to overlook changing laws. Here are some key tips:
Stay current: Rent caps, notice requirements, and eviction rules change year to year. Check city websites or join a local landlord association.
Document everything: Keep records of rent notices, repair requests, tenant complaints, and lease changes.
Key Takeaways
Each of these cities builds on California’s statewide tenant protections but takes its own approach. If you own property in more than one city, you’ll likely face different rules depending on location. What might be allowed in Glendale could trigger fines in Santa Monica or Culver City.
And these rules aren’t just technicalities. They carry real consequences. Violations in 2025 have already led to fines, lawsuits, and major public enforcement campaigns. Whether it’s a missed registration deadline or an illegal rent increase, even honest mistakes can be costly.
The smartest landlords stay informed... or hire professionals who are. By keeping up with local regulations, you’ll protect your investment, stay out of legal trouble, and build better relationships with tenants.
