New Rent Hike Limits

How to fight an illegal increase.

How it works: For most California tenants living in apartment buildings constructed more than 15 years ago, the statewide Tenant Protection Act puts a ceiling on how much landlords can raise rents each year. The higher inflation gets, the more landlords can raise rents — which is why the law’s maximum allowable rent hike of 10% has been in effect for the past 12 months. Now, lower inflation figures are set to slightly dampen the maximum allowable rent increase that applies to many renters in Los Angeles and Orange counties. The new 8.8% limit will remain in effect until July 31, 2024.

Why it matters: Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles staff attorney Jonathan Jager said falling inflation means landlords can’t give L.A. tenants rent hikes quite as high as last year. But he predicts many will still struggle to keep up with 8.8% increases. “Even though inflation is going down, wages haven't risen,” he said. Renters in many SoCal cities may have stronger rent hike protections under local rent control laws.

What to do if you receive an illegal rent hike: If you’re an L.A. or Orange County renter covered by the Tenant Protection Act and your landlord gives you a rent increase starting on Aug. 1 that exceeds 8.8%, you are not legally obligated to pay the higher amount. Jager said tenants facing unlawful rent hike demands can continue paying their previous rent.