Landlords of units subject to the Los Angeles Rent Stabilization Ordinance (the formal name for Los Angeles’ rent control) in the City of Los Angeles are able to raise the rent for additional tenants. Section 151.06(G) allows a landlord to raise the rent 10% for each additional tenant. However, there are some important exceptions and particular regulations to note when raising the rent for an additional tenant.
- Rent cannot be raised for the first minor dependent child added to the household. The child must be under 18 years old and must be a natural child, a step child, or adopted child of the existing tenant.
- Rent must be raised within 60 days of the landlord knowing an additional tenant resides in the unit. If the tenant knows or constructively knows about the additional tenant for more than 60 days, the landlord waives the right to raise the rent for the additional tenant.
- Rent can be raised by 10% per additional tenant. State law requires a 60 Day Notice for all rent raises more than 10% in a twelve month period. For example, if you raise the rent the 3% currently allowed under the Los Angeles Rent Stabilization Ordinance in January 2014, learn of a new tenant in February 2014, and raise the rent 10% for April 2014, you would need to serve a 60 Day Notice because the landlord has raised the 13% in a twelve month period.
- The rent must be decreased if the additional tenant moves out.
It is important to note that a landlord is not required to allow the additional tenant if the rental agreement does not allow for it. Further, a landlord is not required to allow more than one additional adult or two additional minor dependent children.
If you have questions regarding raising the rent for an additional tenant under Los Angeles’ rent control ordinance, please contact Anthony at (818) 839-5220.
