Resources for All Rental Properties

November 7th, 2024 | Rental Property Owners, Owning or managing rental housing| dwong

There are many aspects of the landlord tenant relationship that the Rent Stabilization Ordinance does not cover. The following list includes key resources to housing laws outside the scope of the Rent Stabilization Ordinance. These resources are integral in understanding different areas of housing law that permit landlords to manage a profitable business while protecting their investment and ensuring tenants enjoyment of their rental homes while protecting their rights.

Landlord/Tenant related questions or concerns

Phone: (833) 223-RENT (7368)

Email: rent@dcba.lacounty.gov

Website: rent.lacounty.gov

Los Angeles Department of Consumer and Business Affairs DCBA, LADCBA

Phone: (800) 593-8222

Contact LADCBA About:

- What is the limit on Security Deposits?
- When does the landlord have to return a security deposit?
- Is there a mediation service?
- How can I file a Small Claims lawsuit?
- Must a tenant renew the lease agreement?
- Who is responsible for repair fees?
- What notice requirements under State law?
- Can the owner enter a rental unit without asking the tenant?
- Who should make the repairs in my rental unit?
- What happens when a lease runs out?
- Should rental agreements be in writing?
- Where can a landlord obtain assistance during a foreclosure?
- What are tenant rights when a property is foreclosed?

Housing Rights Center (HRC)

Phone: (213) 387-8400 or (800) 477-5977

Contact HRC about:

- What is discrimination? (Harassment, Retaliation)
- Is a tenant entitled to a Reasonable Accommodation or Modification (access ramps, shower bars, parking, caregiver, etc)?
- Does a landlord have to allow a service animal?

LA Represents – Legal Aid Useful Links

LA Represents a coalition of law firms, bar associations and attorneys who will enhance their existing pro bono commitments to legal aid organizations to provide COVID-19-related legal services, including helping vulnerable tenants, landlords, small businesses, domestic violence victims and low income individuals with employment, consumer debt, and bankruptcy matters.

County of Los Angeles Department of Public Environmental Health (Public Health) (Habitability Issues)

Phone: (888) 700-9995

Contact Public Health about:

- Who do I contact for mold, bedbugs, insects or rat infestation?
- Who can a tenant call for illegal utility shut offs?

LA County Department of Social Services (DPSS)

Phone: (866) 613-3777

Contact DPSS about:

- Where can I get referrals for social services?

Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA)

Phone: (213) 225-6581 or (800) 548-6047

Contact LAHSA about:

- If you are a homeless individual or family or believe you are at significant risk of becoming homeless, please contact the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), at (213) 225-6581, (800) 548-6047, or visit LAHSA’s website for specific information about city-funded programs that are available to homeless individuals, youth, and families and which you may be eligible to receive services under.
- Homeless families: If you and your family (adults with children under age 18) are homeless and need immediate assistance call 2-1-1, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- If you are a youth in need of shelter, please call (800) 548-6047 or download the WIN app below.
- What if I need emergency shelter due to a fire, lock-out or other situation that requires a tenant move out of a unit?

Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS)

Phone: 311

Contact LADBS about:

- Who inspects single family dwellings, condominiums, commercial buildings?
- Who issues permits and Certificates of Occupancy?

State of California – Department of Housing and Community Development

Phone: (800) 952-5275

- Who inspects mobile home parks?
- Where can mobile home parks be registered?

EVICTION ASSISTANCE – IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED A COURT DOCUMENT SUCH AS A UNLAWFUL DETAINER, PLEASE SEE LEGAL ASSISTANCE. YOU MAY FILE A COMPLAINT FOR A POSSIBLE VIOLATION OF THE RENT STABILIZATION ORDINANCE (RSO) OR THE MAYOR’S EMERGENCY ORDER.

The Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) covers rental housing units in the City of Los Angeles. Most rental units subject to the RSO were issued a Certificate of Occupancy from the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety on or before October 1, 1978. If you have experienced a violation(s) of the RSO for any of the following reasons listed below, and have unsuccessfully been able to resolve the issue(s) with your landlord, please click the Tenant Complaint Form below.

Reason for Complaint:

Unit Not Registered – Your rental unit is not registered.

Illegal Eviction – Received a verbal or written notice to move-out without a valid reason as listed under the RSO or the Emergency Order including the landlord demanding documentation or to sign a repayment plan (Illegal Eviction in Español) .
Non-Payment of Relocation Assistance – Did not receive relocation assistance fees due to a no-fault eviction (Non-Payment of Relocation Assistance in Español).
Illegal Rent Increase – Received a verbal or written notice demanding more rent than allowed under the RSO or the Emergency Order rent increase freeze.
Reduction of Services – A housing service provided to you at the beginning of your tenancy has been removed or is no longer accessible.
Failure to Post RSO Notice – There is no notice on the property that indicates your property is subject to the RSO. (Failure to Post RSO Notice in Español)
Illegal Buyout Agreement – Received an offer or signed a buyout agreement in exchange to move out of your rental unit and the RSO Disclosure Notice was not given and/or the Buyout Agreement is not in compliance with the RSO.
Required Online Payment/Electronic Fund Transfer – Your landlord has requested to only submit your rental payments online or by electronic fund transfer.

The LAHD Rent Stabilization Division Investigations and Enforcement Section can not address issues such as harassment, discrimination, retaliation, habitability or return of security deposits. Such matters must be decided in court.

There is no charge for filing a complaint. There are no anonymous complaints since each complaint requires documentation to support the violation(s). The length of an investigation varies. If an investigation reveals a violation of the RSO or Eviction Moratorium, you will be contacted before your landlord is notified of the violation(s).