The Housing and Homelessness Committee is recommending changes to how annual rent increases are calculated for Los Angeles's rent-controlled apartments under the Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO).

What Is Being Proposed?

The Housing and Homelessness Committee is recommending changes to how annual rent increases are calculated for Los Angeles's rent-controlled apartments under the Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO). The committee wants to reduce the percentage of inflation that triggers rent increases from the current formula to 60%, establish a floor of 0% and a ceiling of 3% for annual increases, eliminate extra increases for gas and electricity costs, and ensure that having more family members doesn't automatically trigger higher rent increases.

Why These Changes?

The recommendations are based on an economic study conducted by the Los Angeles Housing Department. The goal is to provide more stability and predictability for rent-controlled tenants while still allowing landlords some compensation for inflation and operating costs. The committee also wants to help small landlords (those owning 2-10 units) with increased funding for maintenance and repairs rather than allowing unlimited rent increases.

Key Details

The committee voted 3-2 in favor of the recommendations on November 5, 2025 (Raman, Jurado, and Hutt voted yes; Blumenfield and McOsker voted no). The City Attorney has been asked to draft the formal ordinance. The changes would specifically modify Los Angeles Municipal Code sections 151.06.D, 151.07.A6, and 151.06.G. Funding for landlord repair programs would come from Measure ULA and County affordable housing resources.

Impact

This directly affects the roughly 600,000 Los Angeles residents living in rent-controlled housing. Tenants would face more predictable, capped rent increases. However, landlords—particularly small property owners—would see their income from rent increases limited, though they'd have access to repair funding programs.

What is Being Proposed?

Natalie Lall, representing the Democratic Socialists of America-Los Angeles (DSA-LA) from Council District 4, is urging the City Council to adopt specific reforms to the Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO). The proposed changes include: capping rent increases at the lower of 60% of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or 3% with no minimum increase floor, and eliminating additional increases currently allowed for utilities and extra occupants.

Why?

The commenter argues that current rent increases allowed under the RSO are unaffordable for struggling Angelenos. Every percentage point of rent increase reduces money available for other necessities such as food, medical care, transportation, and childcare. The communication emphasizes that the RSO is vital for keeping millions of Angelenos stably housed, but the existing formula enables increases that are pricing people out.

Key Details and Urgency

The timing is critical: new rent increase formulas take effect in July, making immediate City Council action necessary. The communication references demands from the advocacy group "Keep LA Housed" and emphasizes that without prompt updates to the RSO formula, tenants will face unaffordable increases under the current system.

Impact

These proposed changes would directly affect Los Angeles renters, particularly low-income and struggling households in CD4 and citywide. Capping increases and eliminating utility and occupancy surcharges would reduce landlord-allowed rent hikes, helping tenants maintain housing stability and afford basic necessities.

Overview

Councilmember Adrin Nazarian has submitted 16 detailed questions to the Los Angeles Housing and Community Investment Department (LAHD) regarding proposed changes to the Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO). These questions are directed at the Housing Committee and seek clarification on recommendations made in recent LAHD and Economic Roundtable studies about how rent control rules should be adjusted.

What's Being Proposed

The underlying LAHD report recommends several significant changes to Los Angeles' rent control system, including: (1) eliminating the current 1–2% annual utility pass-through allowance for landlords; (2) switching from an "All-Items" Consumer Price Index (CPI) to "All Items Less Shelter" CPI for calculating annual rent increases; and (3) changing the rent increase floor from 3% to 2% and establishing a 5% ceiling with CPI "banking" (allowing unused increases to carry forward). These changes would affect how much rent landlords can raise each year and what cost recovery tools are available.

Why This Matters

Nazarian's questions focus on balancing two competing concerns: protecting tenants from excessive rent increases while ensuring small "mom-and-pop" landlords can maintain their properties and recover legitimate operating costs (utilities, insurance, repairs) as expenses rise. The questions highlight a key tension: small landlords, who operate about 30% of RSO properties, may struggle under stricter rent controls, but giving them higher increases could burden tenants living in those units. The document also references findings that small landlords have lower vacancy rates and more stable occupancy, raising questions about whether perceived hardship matches actual financial performance.

Key Issues Being Examined

The questions probe critical unknowns: How many tenants are already cost-burdened? Have small landlords recovered from the COVID rent freeze (2020–2024), during which they lost about 16% of allowable increases? What barriers prevent landlords from using existing "Just and Reasonable" cost-recovery programs? Are small landlords being displaced post-pandemic as property values rise? The councilmember is essentially asking LAHD to provide data and analysis that would clarify whether proposed changes strike the right balance and what alternative tools (grants, loans) might address landlord hardship without raising rents.

What is Being Proposed?

Bryne, a District 1 resident, is urging the LA City Council to adopt the "Keep LA Housed" demands for updating the Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) formula. Specifically, she calls for: (1) capping rent increases at 60% of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or 3%, whichever is lower, with no automatic minimum increase; and (2) eliminating additional rent increases for utilities and extra occupants.

Why?

The communication addresses affordability concerns within LA's existing rent control system. While acknowledging that the RSO is important for housing stability, Bryne argues that current allowed rent increases are unaffordable for struggling Angelenos and contribute to homelessness. She frames housing as a human right and attributes the housing crisis to city policies and actions by wealthy real estate developers and corporate landlords.

Key Details

Urgent timeline: New rent increases go into effect in July 2025, making immediate City Council action necessary Affected population: Tenants already struggling with rent payments who lack discretionary income for food, medical care, transportation, and childcare Specific formula change: The proposal would reduce the percentage increase tenants face annually by capping it at the lower of 60% CPI or 3%

Impact

This proposal directly affects rent-controlled tenants citywide, particularly low-income renters in LA. The changes would reduce landlord revenue from annual rent increases but could help prevent tenant displacement and homelessness by preserving affordability in existing housing stock.

What is Being Proposed?

Immigrants Are Los Angeles, on behalf of the Keep LA Housed Coalition, is urging the City Council to amend the current rent increase formula under the Los Angeles Rent Stabilization Ordinance (LARSO). The organization proposes adopting a "3%/60% CPI formula" that would cap annual allowable rent increases at whichever is lower: 60% of the change in the Consumer Price Index or 3%. The proposal also eliminates utility pass-throughs, prohibits increases for additional tenants, eliminates rent banking, and removes exemptions for small landlords.

Why?

Los Angeles tenants face a severe rent burden crisis, with many already forced to choose between paying rent and affording basic necessities like food and medicine. The organization argues that the current formula fails to adequately protect tenants from displacement and homelessness, particularly during periods of high inflation. They contend that the proposed formula is both constitutionally sound and aligns with rent stabilization practices in other California cities, including several in Los Angeles County.

Key Details

The letter emphasizes that each additional percentage point in the annual rent increase formula can determine whether a tenant can afford to remain housed or faces displacement. The organization frames the 3%/60% CPI formula as striking a balance between protecting tenants from unaffordable steep increases and ensuring landlords receive constitutionally reasonable returns on their investments.

Impact

This policy directly affects Los Angeles renters and landlords. Lower rent increase caps would help stabilize housing costs for vulnerable tenants, particularly immigrants and low-income households, while potentially reducing landlord revenue during inflationary periods. The change could influence housing stability and homelessness rates across the city.

What is Being Proposed?

Gina G. is urging the Los Angeles City Council to adopt more tenant-friendly amendments to the Rent Stabilization Ordinance (Council File 23-1134). Specifically, she is requesting four key changes: (1) base rent increases on 60% of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) All Items, (2) implement a 3% cap on increases with no minimum floor, (3) eliminate additional charges for utilities and occupant increases, and (4) eliminate rent banking provisions.

Why?

The communication addresses Los Angeles' ongoing housing crisis and the problem of escalating rents making it difficult for residents to remain housed. While acknowledging that the Housing Department's current proposal represents some improvement, Gina G. contends these measures are insufficient to adequately protect tenants. The submitter is calling for more aggressive rent stabilization protections.

Key Details

The submission was filed on August 27, 2025, under Council File No. 23-1134, which specifically concerns rent increases in Los Angeles' Rent Stabilization Ordinance. The proposed changes reference CPI indexing and establish specific numerical caps (3% maximum) rather than allowing flexible increases tied to broader inflation measures.

Impact

These changes would directly affect Los Angeles tenants and renters by limiting how much landlords can increase rent annually. The proposals aim to keep lower-income households housed by reducing the financial pressure of rising rents, while potentially affecting property owners' ability to adjust rents for operational costs and occupancy changes.

What Is Being Proposed?

Two residents are urging the LA City Council to reform the Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) by adopting a new rent increase formula. The proposed changes include: basing rent increases on 60% of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), implementing a 3% cap with no floor, eliminating rent banking, and removing additional charges for utilities and extra occupants.

Why This Matters

Current rent increases under the existing RSO formula are unaffordable for struggling Angelenos. New increases based on the old formula just took effect in July 2025, and residents argue that every percentage point of increase forces tenants to cut spending on essential necessities like food, medical care, transportation, and childcare. The commenters emphasize that reform is urgently needed to prevent further displacement and homelessness.

Key Details

Average rent in small RSO properties is $2,357/month A renter would need to earn approximately $94,000 annually to maintain the recommended 30% rent-to-income ratio One commenter, Jade Parada from Innercity Struggle (District SD14), represents the advocacy coalition "Keep LA Housed" The second commenter (Maria) expressed concerns in Spanish about potential homelessness if rents continue to rise

Impact

These changes would primarily benefit low-income and working-class renters throughout Los Angeles who currently live in rent-stabilized units. Implementing the proposed formula would limit rent increases and provide financial relief for vulnerable residents at risk of displacement.

What is Being Proposed?

These are two public comments submitted to the Los Angeles City Council regarding housing and rental regulations. The second commenter, Elaine Loring, specifically advocates for revising LARSO (Los Angeles Rent Stabilization Ordinance) through the "Keep LA Housed" proposal, which calls for: a 3% rent cap based on appropriate CPI (Consumer Price Index), elimination of utility and extra person add-ons, and prohibition of rent banking practices.

Why?

Both commenters address the severe housing crisis affecting Los Angeles residents. M. Lopez describes decades of deteriorating conditions in the Palms neighborhood, including gentrification, gang violence, rising rents, and inadequate housing maintenance—forcing her and others to shoulder costs for repairs that management should provide. Elaine Loring argues that "business as usual" policies will not solve the challenge of rising rents for Angelenos and calls for more aggressive rent control measures.

Key Details

M. Lopez has lived in her apartment complex for over 15 years and has raised three children and six grandchildren there. Her units have not been updated in over 50 years, lack air conditioning, have a faulty heating system, and feature only shared coin-operated laundry. She is now disabled and facing knee replacement surgery with no ADA accommodations. Elaine Loring specifically addresses Councilmember Nazarian (CD2) and Councilmember Raman (CD4), referencing Nazarian's previous support for a 3% cap at a February town hall.

Impact

These comments directly affect tenants across Los Angeles, particularly middle-class and working-poor residents facing displacement. The proposals would limit rent increases, potentially making housing more affordable and stable, while addressing landlord practices that currently shift maintenance costs to tenants. This impacts both current residents and the broader affordability crisis in the city.

What is Being Proposed?

Multiple residents are urging the LA City Council to adopt the "Keep LA Housed" demands for reforming the Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) rent increase formula. The proposed changes include: (1) basing rent increases on 60% of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) All Items, (2) capping increases at 3% with no floor, (3) eliminating rent banking, and (4) removing bumps for utilities and additional occupants.

Why This Matters

LA renters currently face unaffordable housing costs, with new rent increases based on the old formula having gone into effect in July 2025 (ranging from 3-5% increases). The average RSO unit rents for $2,357/month, requiring renters to earn approximately $94,000 annually to stay within the recommended 30% rent-to-income ratio. Residents report spending the majority of their income on rent, leaving insufficient funds for food, medical care, transportation, and childcare. The comments emphasize that current rent increases are unsustainable, particularly for vulnerable populations including immigrant families facing ICE enforcement and those displaced by recent fires or job losses.

Key Details

All four commenters submitted statements on August 3, 2025, making identical or near-identical demands. They cite the same data points and urgency, indicating coordinated advocacy. One commenter specifically highlights that over 30% of Asian American renters in Los Angeles face severe housing cost burdens, spending over half their income on rent alone.

Impact

This affects the majority of LA residents who are renters. If adopted, the proposed formula changes would significantly lower allowable rent increases, providing relief to struggling tenants while potentially limiting landlord income from rent increases on stabilized units.

What is Being Proposed?

Crystal Santoso is urging the LA City Council to adopt tenant-friendly reforms to the Los Angeles Rent Stabilization Ordinance (LARSO). Specifically, she advocates for the "Keep LA Housed Coalition" proposals, which include: rent increases based on 60% of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), a 3% rent cap with no floor, elimination of rent banking, no additional charges for utilities or occupants, and uniform formulas for all landlords and tenants.

Why?

The current rent increase formula allows rents to rise faster than inflation, making housing increasingly unaffordable for renters. The writer emphasizes that even stabilized units are pricing out low-to-moderate income tenants. With average RSO rents at $2,357 monthly, renters would need to earn nearly $94,000 annually to meet the recommended 30% rent-to-income ratio, making it difficult for tenants to afford other necessities like food, medical care, and childcare.

Key Details

The LA Housing Department has already recommended updating the rent formula Rent increases take effect July 1 annually The majority of Angelenos are renters, and most live in stabilized units The submitter (Crystal Santoso, 91801) notes that while the Housing Department's current proposal is an improvement, it remains insufficient

Impact

This affects LA's substantial renter population—particularly low-to-moderate income households—by potentially stabilizing housing costs and preserving affordability. Urgent action is needed before the next rent increase cycle begins.

What is Being Proposed?

Two community advocates are urging the Los Angeles City Council to adopt specific reforms to the Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO). The proposed changes would modify how rent increases are calculated, specifically requesting: rent increases based on 60% of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) All Items, a 3% cap with no floor, elimination of rent banking, and removal of bumps for utilities and additional occupants.

Why?

The commenters argue that current RSO rent increases are too high and unaffordable for struggling Angelenos. Research cited shows that a $100 increase in median rent correlates with a 9% increase in homelessness. Even in RSO-protected units, rents are deeply unaffordable—the average rent in small RSO properties is $2,357, requiring renters to earn nearly $94,000 annually to stay within the recommended 30% rent-to-income ratio. The advocates emphasize that rising rents force workers into impossible financial choices between housing and other necessities like food, medical care, and childcare.

Key Details

Both commenters represent organizations serving vulnerable populations (LA CAN and Safe Place for Youth in Venice). Adam Smith also raises urgent secondary concerns about conditions in 17 buildings recently purchased by Hope For An Affordable LA (HALA), demanding immediate on-site mail delivery and restoration of 24/7 tenant-protective security across the HALA portfolio. The comments emphasize urgency, noting that new rent increases go into effect in July 2025.

Impact

These changes would directly affect millions of Los Angeles renters in RSO-protected units by limiting annual rent growth. The advocates frame this as a moral imperative to prevent homelessness and keep low-income tenants housed, particularly affecting workers, at-risk youth, and people experiencing housing instability across Los Angeles.

What is Being Proposed?

The Keep LA Housed Coalition is advocating for reforms to Los Angeles's Rent Stabilization Ordinance. Their specific demands include: (1) capping annual rent increases at 0-3% with no floor, (2) basing increases on 60% of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) All Items rather than the current formula, (3) eliminating "rent banking" provisions, and (4) removing additional charges for utilities and additional occupants. These communications urge the Housing and Homelessness Committee to adopt these demands when voting on CF 23-1134.

Why?

The current LARSO formula allows rent increases that are unaffordable for struggling tenants and are a major driver of homelessness. Commenters note that a $100 rent increase correlates with a 9% rise in homelessness. Many tenants are forced to choose between paying rent and affording necessities like food, medicine, and transportation. The average rent for a small RSO unit ($2,357/month) requires an annual income of $94,000 to maintain the recommended 30% rent-to-income ratio—placing housing out of reach for working-class Angelenos.

Key Details

Multiple commenters oppose "rent banking," a provision recommended by LAHD in their report on CF 23-1134. Rent banking would allow landlords to accumulate unused rent increases from previous years and apply them later. Critics argue this creates unnecessary administrative burden, confusion, and benefits only landlords. The Economic Roundtable Report does not recommend rent banking adoption. Comments were submitted between July 25-29, 2025, primarily from residents in various city districts, tenant advocacy organizations, legal service providers, and working families groups.

Impact

These proposed changes would directly affect millions of Angelenos, particularly renters in rent-stabilized units, immigrant workers, elderly residents on fixed incomes, and low-wage workers. Advocates argue stronger protections would prevent displacement, reduce homelessness, and allow families to afford basic necessities. The changes aim to ensure housing remains accessible while maintaining the city's economic stability through retained residents.

What Is Being Proposed?

Ahva Ajmani, representing LA CAN from District CD14, is urging the City Council to adopt specific reforms to Los Angeles's Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO). The proposed changes include: basing rent increases on 60% of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for All Items, capping increases at 3% with no minimum floor, eliminating rent banking, and removing additional charges for utilities and additional occupants.

Why This Matters

The speaker argues that current allowable rent increases are unaffordable for struggling Angelenos and directly contribute to homelessness. Research cited in the comment shows that a $100 increase in median rent correlates with a 9% increase in homelessness. The speaker frames the housing crisis as fundamentally an affordability problem requiring moral action from city leadership, not politically convenient decisions.

Key Details and Stakeholders

The comment also addresses conditions at 17 buildings recently purchased by Hope For An Affordable LA (HALA). Tenants from these buildings submitted a separate letter on June 3, 2025, demanding: (1) immediate, on-site lawful mail delivery for all 15 occupied buildings, and (2) restoration of 24/7 tenant-protective security. The letter was sent to all LA City Council members, the Mayor, Los Angeles Housing Department, and other housing authorities.

Impact

These proposals would directly affect millions of Los Angeles renters by limiting rent increases and improving living conditions in HALA-managed buildings. The stricter RSO formula could help prevent displacement and homelessness among lower-income households across the city.

What is Being Proposed?

Matilda Paulin submitted public comment requesting the Los Angeles City Council enact comprehensive housing relief measures for working-class and struggling families. Her proposal includes five main policy recommendations: (1) universal rent control applying to all rental units with vacancy control protections; (2) creation and expansion of social housing that is publicly owned, democratically controlled, and permanently affordable; (3) conversion of existing properties to social housing through community land trusts; (4) investment in new public housing construction; and (5) enhanced tenant protections including universal bills of rights, expanded just cause eviction protections, accessibility requirements, and cancellation of COVID-19-related rent debt.

Why This Matters

Paulin articulates a crisis of housing affordability in Los Angeles, noting that many working-class residents live "one or two paychecks away from being unhoused" due to rising rents. She argues that current Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) protections are insufficient. The comment emphasizes the need to repeal state laws that limit rent control options (California's Costa-Hawkins Act) and federal restrictions on public housing construction (the Faircloth Amendment).

Key Details

The comment was submitted on July 25, 2025, and references existing RSO laws as inadequate protections. Paulin identifies specific statutory barriers to her proposed solutions, indicating this relates to broader policy discussions within Council File 23-1134.

Impact

These recommendations would directly affect renters throughout Los Angeles, particularly low-income households and disabled individuals, by potentially reducing housing costs, increasing tenant rights, and expanding permanently affordable housing options.

What is Being Proposed?

Jesslyn Mitchell-Laguna, a member of the public, is urging the Los Angeles City Council to update LARSO (Los Angeles Rent Stabilization Ordinance) by implementing a 3% rent increase cap. This communication represents public input supporting stronger rent control protections in the city.

Why?

The commenter frames this proposal as a response to the current housing crisis in Los Angeles. The rationale is that a stricter rent cap would serve two key purposes: (1) protect the city from real estate speculation that drives up housing costs, and (2) prevent families from being evicted due to unaffordable rent increases.

Key Details

Submitted: July 9, 2025 Proposed Change: Update LARSO to a 3% annual rent increase cap Action Requested: City council members to vote in favor of this measure

Impact

This proposal would affect all renters in Los Angeles, particularly low-to-moderate income families and long-term tenants vulnerable to displacement. A 3% cap would limit how much landlords could raise rent annually, potentially making housing more stable and affordable for existing tenants, though it could also influence landlord behavior regarding maintenance and new housing development.

What is Being Proposed?

Nikki Harris, a clinical psychologist from District 5, is urging the City Council to update the Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) formula for calculating annual rent increases. She is advocating for the specific demands put forward by Keep LA Housed, which include: basing rent increases on 60% of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for all items, implementing a 3% cap with no floor, eliminating rent banking, and removing additional charges for utilities and extra occupants.

Why?

Harris argues that current rent increases allowed under the RSO are unaffordable for struggling Angelenos and are preventing people from remaining stably housed. She emphasizes that every additional percentage point of rent increase reduces money available for basic necessities like food, medical care, transportation, and childcare. The urgency is heightened because new rent increases go into effect in July 2025.

Key Details

Harris provides a stark affordability example: the average rent for a unit in a small RSO property is $2,357 per month, which requires an annual income of approximately $94,000 to stay within the recommended 30% rent-to-income ratio. She notes that even rent-stabilized units are already deeply unaffordable under current formulas, and the Council must vote immediately to prevent further increases.

Impact

This affects all rent-stabilized tenants across Los Angeles, particularly lower-income residents already struggling with housing costs. Harris's personal concern—that she cannot afford to stay in her own home—underscores how the current RSO formula impacts even professional workers.

What is Being Proposed?

Three residents are submitting public comments in support of strengthening Los Angeles's Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO). Their primary recommendation is to cap rent increases at 3% for all RSO units citywide, including units managed by small landlords. Additional protections proposed include eliminating rent increases tied to additional occupants and prohibiting utility cost pass-throughs to tenants.

Why?

The commenters argue that current rent stabilization protections are outdated and inadequate to address Los Angeles's housing affordability crisis. They emphasize that without stronger protections, working families and long-term residents—particularly those born and raised in the city—cannot afford housing or homeownership. One commenter cites research showing that smaller RSO landlords achieve higher rents and lower vacancies while experiencing no greater financial stress than larger landlords, suggesting that exempting small landlords from caps is not justified.

Key Details

Council File: 23-1134 Submission Date: July 4, 2025 Comments from: Lyra Kilston, Elizabeth, and Gabbie (Highland Park resident since 2013) Proposed rent cap: 3% annually for all RSO units Proposed protections: No occupancy-based increases; no utility surcharges

Impact

These changes would affect rent-stabilized tenants and landlords across Los Angeles. Stronger protections would help stabilize housing costs for working families and long-term residents, while broader application to small landlords could significantly expand coverage of rent controls citywide.

What is Being Proposed?

Two members of the public are submitting comments in support of passing a rent stabilization act for Los Angeles, specifically advocating for a 3% rent cap and support for LARSO (Los Angeles Renters' Solidarity Organization).

Why?

The commenters argue that Los Angeles is experiencing a severe housing crisis driven by real estate corporations and manufactured housing manufacturers. They frame housing as a human right and express concern that the city is failing residents by not taking stronger action to protect renters from rising costs and corporate wealth accumulation.

Key Details

Council File: 23-1134 Submission Dates: July 1, 2025 (8:55 PM and 10:35 PM) Proposed Policy: 3% rent cap through rent stabilization legislation Supporting Organization: LARSO (Los Angeles Renters' Solidarity Organization) Both commenters pledge close monitoring of this issue going forward

Impact

These comments represent renter advocacy calling on City Council to pass stronger protections against rent increases. If enacted, rent stabilization would limit how much landlords can raise rents annually, directly affecting both renters (who would see more stable housing costs) and property owners (whose rental income growth would be restricted). This reflects ongoing public pressure on the council to address Los Angeles's affordability crisis.

What is Being Proposed?

The NoHo Neighborhood Council has submitted a Community Impact Statement supporting amendments to Council File 23-1134, which concerns reform of Los Angeles's Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO). The Council voted 17-0-0 on April 9, 2025, to support the file if amended according to specific recommendations from the Keep LA Housed Coalition.

Why This Matters?

Los Angeles has a large renter population that needs stronger protections against excessive rent increases. The NoHo Neighborhood Council argues that the current RSO needs reform to better protect tenants from rising housing costs, which are increasingly unaffordable for many residents.

Key Recommendations

The NoHo Neighborhood Council specifically supports adopting a formula that would: Limit annual rent increases to 60% of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or 3%, whichever is lower Set a 0% floor (meaning no rent increases in low-inflation years) Prohibit utility increases, rent banking, and additional occupant fees

Impact

This proposal would directly affect Los Angeles renters by potentially making rent increases more predictable and limited. If adopted, it would establish one of the strongest tenant protections in California, making housing more affordable and stable for the city's renter population.

What is Being Proposed?

Maria Briones, writing on behalf of the Keep LA Housed Coalition, is urging the City Council to amend the Los Angeles Rent Stabilization Ordinance (LARSO) by adopting a new formula for annual rent increases. The proposed formula would cap annual rent increases at 60% of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or 3%, whichever is lower, with no utility pass-throughs, no increases for additional tenants, no rent banking, and no exemptions for small landlords.

Why?

Los Angeles tenants are facing a severe rent burden crisis, with many already unable to afford basic necessities alongside rent payments. The writer argues that the current LARSO formula fails to adequately protect tenants from displacement and homelessness. The proposed 3%/60% CPI formula would protect tenants during high-inflation years while remaining constitutionally sound and providing reasonable returns for landlords. The letter notes that similar formulas already exist in other California cities, including several in Los Angeles County.

Key Details

Council File Number: 23-1134 Submission Date: May 8, 2025 Proposed Formula: Lower of 3% or 60% CPI change Supporting Organization: Keep LA Housed Coalition, ACCE

Impact

This policy would directly affect both tenants and landlords across Los Angeles. Tenants would face more predictable, potentially lower rent increases, reducing displacement risk. Landlords would receive regulated but constitutionally protected returns on their investments. The letter emphasizes that each percentage point matters—small differences could determine whether tenants can remain housed.

What is Being Proposed?

Two residents from District 14 are submitting public comments urging the Los Angeles City Council to update the Rent Stabilization Ordinance formula to cap annual rent increases at a maximum of 3%. Currently, the ordinance allows rent increases that both commenters argue are too high and unaffordable for struggling tenants.

Why This Matters

Both Diana Ibarra and Priscilla Castaneda cite the affordability crisis facing Los Angeles renters. Castaneda reports moving three times in three years due to extreme rent increases exceeding 8% annually. They argue that higher rent increases force tenants to cut spending on necessities like food, healthcare, transportation, and childcare. Ibarra also notes that landlords raise rents despite failing to maintain and rehabilitate apartments, while tenant concerns are ignored.

Key Details

Current situation: Annual rent increases under the Rent Stabilization Ordinance reportedly exceed 8% Proposed change: Cap rent increases at 3% annually Affected community: District 14 residents and broader Los Angeles renters struggling with housing affordability Commenters: Both are affiliated with Keep LA Housed advocacy organization and represent personal experiences of housing instability

Impact

A 3% cap would significantly reduce rent burden for struggling families, allowing them to allocate resources toward food, healthcare, childcare, and maintaining stable housing. For renters like Castaneda facing repeated displacement, this measure could promote residential stability.

What Is Being Proposed?

These public comments address potential updates to Los Angeles's Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO). The second commenter specifically urges the City Council to adopt recommendations from Keep LA Housed to cap rent increases at either 60% of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or 3%—whichever is lower—with no minimum increase. The proposal also calls for eliminating additional charges for utilities and extra occupants.

Why Is This Important?

Both commenters emphasize that rent affordability directly impacts homelessness in Los Angeles. Research shows that homelessness persists not because people aren't entering shelters, but because many residents become newly homeless daily due to unaffordable housing costs. One commenter notes that while rent control alone doesn't solve the housing supply shortage, it is a critical tool to keep people stably housed during economic downturns and rising unemployment.

Key Details

Current issue: Existing RSO rent increase allowances are deemed too high for struggling renters Proposed cap: 60% CPI or 3% maximum (whichever is lower) with no floor increase Additional reforms requested: Remove utility surcharges and extra occupant fees Council file: 23-1134 Comments submitted: April 24, 2025

Impact

These changes would affect millions of Los Angeles renters. Stricter rent caps could help prevent displacement and homelessness among lower-income residents, while broader housing supply expansion is also needed to fully address the crisis.

What is Being Proposed?

Multiple community members and advocates are urging the Los Angeles City Council to reform the Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) by adopting a new rent increase formula. Specifically, they are requesting that the Council: (1) cap annual rent increases at 60% of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or 3%, whichever is lower, with no minimum floor, and (2) eliminate additional rent increase provisions for utilities and extra occupants.

Why This Change is Needed

The current RSO formula is 40 years old and, according to advocates, is unfair to tenants. While CPI increased only 23% over the past decade, rents under the current formula have increased 35%—significantly outpacing inflation. A primary problem is the existing 3% minimum floor, which means rents increase by at least 3% annually even when inflation is zero or negative. Commenters emphasize that these increases are unaffordable for struggling tenants, forcing them to choose between housing and other necessities like food, medical care, transportation, and childcare.

Key Details

Deadline: New rent increases go into effect in July 2025, creating urgency Proposed formula: 60% CPI with 3% cap and NO floor (some commenters mention 2% as an alternative floor) Geographic scope: Changes would apply citywide across multiple districts Stakeholders: Advocates include community organizers from SAJE, DSA-LA, Inner City Law Center, Public Counsel, and various neighborhood councils

Impact

This reform would directly affect millions of Los Angeles renters in stabilized housing. Lower and more predictable rent increases would preserve tenants' limited income for essential needs, particularly benefiting low-income and vulnerable renters already struggling with housing affordability across the city.

What is Being Proposed?

Multiple community members are calling on the LA City Council to update the Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) formula to cap annual rent increases at either 60% of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or 3%—whichever is lower—with no minimum increase. Currently, the RSO allows higher increases with a built-in minimum, which commenters argue is unaffordable for renters.

Why This Matters

Renters and tenant advocacy groups argue that current rent increase allowances are too high and outpacing wage growth. One commenter described a family member with four school-aged children whose rent increases every year while wages stagnate. Another reported a property manager raising rent 10% for each maintenance visit and threatening eviction. These commenters emphasize that lower rent increases would free up tenant money for necessities like food, medical care, transportation, and childcare.

Key Details

Deadline for action: New rent increases take effect in July 2025, making immediate council action urgent Proposed cap: 3% maximum with no minimum (or 60% of CPI, whichever is lower) Additional demand: Elimination of extra charges for utilities and additional occupants Affected districts: Comments submitted from Districts 9, 10, 13, and zip code 90022 Organizations involved: Keep LA Housed, SAJE (Strategic Actions for a Just Economy)

Impact

These changes would directly affect the hundreds of thousands of Angelenos living under RSO protections by limiting how much landlords can raise rent annually, potentially keeping stable housing more affordable for working families and vulnerable renters.

What is Being Proposed?

Two housing rights advocates affiliated with LA CAN (Los Angeles Community Action Network) are submitting public comments urging the Los Angeles City Council to reform the Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO). They specifically demand that the Council adopt "Keep LA Housed" proposals to modify the RSO formula by: (1) capping annual rent increases at 60% of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or 3%, whichever is lower, with no minimum increase guarantee, and (2) eliminating additional rent increases currently applied for utilities and extra occupants.

Why?

The commenters argue that current rent increase allowances under the RSO are unaffordable and unsustainable for struggling Los Angeles tenants, even though the ordinance is credited with helping keep millions housed. They cite research showing that a $100 increase in median rent correlates with a 9% increase in homelessness. They also contend that charging families extra fees simply for having children or elderly relatives in their household is unjust. Other jurisdictions—LA County, Santa Monica, and West Hollywood—have successfully implemented more reasonable rent caps without harming their housing markets.

Key Details & Impact

Urgency: New rent increases take effect in July 2025, making immediate City Council action critical. Geographic scope: The speakers represent Council District 14 (and beyond) and represent renters throughout Los Angeles. Affected populations: Primarily low-income families, elderly residents, and households with children who face cost-of-living pressures beyond housing, including food, medical care, transportation, and childcare. The commenters emphasize that every percentage point increase in rent directly reduces tenants' ability to afford other necessities.

What is Being Proposed?

Nicole Pasini submitted a public comment supporting a specific rent control formula recommended by the Keep LA Housed Coalition. The proposal sets annual rent increases at 60% of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) change or 3%, whichever is lower (the "3%/60% CPI formula"). The recommendation also includes no utility cost pass-through to tenants, no exemptions for small landlords, and no additional increases for additional tenants.

Why?

The commenter frames this proposal as a strategy to combat homelessness by keeping people housed. The implication is that limiting rent increases helps prevent displacement and keeps housing affordable for existing tenants, thereby reducing homelessness.

Key Details

Submitted by: Nicole Pasini Date: September 23, 2024 Council File: 23-1134 Specific provisions: Maximum 3% annual increase or 60% of CPI (whichever is lower), with restrictions on utility pass-throughs and tenant-based increases Sponsoring organization: Keep LA Housed Coalition

Impact

This proposal would primarily affect renters by capping how much landlords can raise rents annually, and would impact landlords by limiting their ability to increase revenue from existing tenancies. The measure targets housing stability as a homelessness prevention strategy.

What is Being Proposed?

The council is considering rent control policy changes for Los Angeles, with multiple public submissions addressing how much rent-controlled (RSO) apartments can increase annually. The primary proposal supported by several commenters is to cap rent increases at 60% of inflation, or 3%, whichever is lower—with no minimum rent hikes. An alternative recommendation calls for a flat 3% cap with no exceptions for utilities or small landlords.

Why This Matters

Los Angeles faces a severe affordability crisis. According to the comments, rents across Los Angeles County have increased 54% while incomes have only risen 16%. Tenants in rent-controlled units report devastating cumulative impacts: one long-term resident's rent increased 38% over 20 years ($675 to $1,085), while their income rose only 24% and inflation was 66%. With market-rate studios now reaching $1,700+ monthly, many residents face displacement or homelessness. The underlying problem is described as both insufficient housing supply and escalating landlord costs.

Key Positions and Stakeholder Concerns

Tenant advocates (Vakil, Miller, Carcieri, McFadden) argue that rent increases exceed inflation and income growth, making housing unaffordable even in controlled units. Housing providers (Max M, Resnick) counter that caps below inflation force small landlords to absorb rising maintenance, taxes, utilities, and code compliance costs, pushing them out of the market and leading to corporate consolidation. One commenter (Hancock) advocates for a broader federal solution: massive public housing construction and income-based rent (1/8 of monthly income maximum).

Impact

This directly affects thousands of rent-controlled tenants and small/large landlords. Stricter caps could provide immediate relief for struggling renters but may reduce housing supply if landlords exit. The broader debate reflects disagreements about whether regulation or supply-side solutions better address affordability.

What is Being Proposed?

This is a public comment submitted in opposition to proposed additional rent control measures in Los Angeles County. The commenter is urging the council to reject stricter limitations on rent increases beyond existing policies.

Why?

The property owner argues that landlords' operating costs have risen dramatically over the past four years—far exceeding the allowed annual rent increases. Specific cost increases cited include maintenance, contractor services, insurance, appliances with shorter lifespans, and water/sewer fees. The commenter contends that artificially strict rent caps discourage landlords from maintaining rental units on the market and may drive them to remove properties from available housing stock.

Key Details

Submitted: February 28, 2024 Position: Opposition to additional rent-limiting measures Landlord's Background: The commenter previously built affordable housing for a non-profit, indicating experience and credibility in housing policy Preferred Alternative: The commenter supports CPI (Consumer Price Index) based caps, similar to California's state measure, which they view as a more balanced approach

Impact

This comment represents landlord interests in the rent control debate. The stance taken here directly affects housing availability—the commenter argues that overly restrictive rent caps could reduce the supply of rental units, potentially worsening the housing shortage for renters seeking affordable options.

What is Being Proposed?

The Central City Association (CCA) is expressing support for Councilmember Blumenfield's motion to conduct a comprehensive economic study of the Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) annual allowable rent adjustment. The CCA urges the City Council to ensure this review is balanced and includes thorough analysis of current costs and market conditions.

Why?

The RSO has not undergone an extensive review in over a decade, while property owners have been unable to raise rents since March 2020 despite significant cost increases in utilities, trash hauling, insurance, labor, and raw materials. The CCA argues that without adequate financial mechanisms for property owners to cover rising costs, the city's aging housing stock will deteriorate, resulting in fewer quality affordable housing options. The study aims to strike an appropriate balance between protecting tenants and ensuring property owners have incentive to maintain and invest in their properties.

Key Details

Submitter: Central City Association, representing approximately 300 member organizations focused on Downtown Los Angeles Issue: Rent freeze period: March 2020 to present Last major RSO review: Over 10 years ago Goal: Produce thoughtful, equitable, and data-informed recommendations rather than rushed conclusions

Impact

This study directly affects both renters and property owners across Los Angeles. Results could influence future rent increase policies, property maintenance standards, and the availability of affordable housing for low- and moderate-income residents and families.