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Exploring New Tenant Protections: Essentials Every Renter Should Know
As Los Angeles continues to refine its housing policies, tenants and landlords alike are closely watching the city’s evolving legal landscape. Recently, the City Council voted to strengthen the Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance (TAHO), a law that was initially passed in 2021 but has faced criticism for being ineffective in protecting renters. While this ordinance addresses harassment, it’s just one piece of a broader conversation about tenant rights in LA—specifically, how renters can be better protected in an increasingly competitive and, at times, hostile housing market.
Beyond tenant harassment, what other protections are in place for renters? And how can tenants safeguard themselves against common issues like unfair rent hikes, evictions, and lack of repairs? Let’s dive into some of the key protections currently available to renters in Los Angeles and explore how these legal measures can make a difference in your rental experience.
1. Rent Control and Rent Stabilization: Know Your Rights
One of the most significant protections for renters in LA is the Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO), which covers approximately 650,000 rental units in the city. If your apartment was built before October 1, 1978, it’s likely subject to rent control under this ordinance. But what does that mean for you?
Rent Increases Are Capped: For units covered by the RSO, landlords can only raise the rent by a percentage set by the city each year. This percentage is tied to inflation but typically stays within a range of 3% to 8%. With rising housing costs across California, this cap is one of the most valuable tools renters have to ensure their rent remains affordable.
Protections Against Evictions: The RSO also includes just cause eviction protections, meaning that landlords can’t evict tenants without a legally valid reason, such as non-payment of rent or violating the lease terms. This can be a lifesaver for renters facing unfair eviction attempts.
Pro Tip: Always verify whether your building falls under the RSO. Even if your landlord says otherwise, you can check the status of your unit on the Los Angeles Housing Department's website.
2. Tenant Harassment: More Than Just Annoying Behavior
While harassment from landlords is a real issue for many renters, it’s not always easy to define. The recent amendments to LA’s Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance (TAHO) are designed to better protect tenants from landlord behaviors that are intended to pressure them into moving out, such as:
Disrupting Utilities or Services: Purposefully shutting off water, electricity, or gas to make your living conditions unbearable.
Entering Your Unit Without Proper Notice: While landlords are allowed to enter your unit for specific reasons (like repairs), they must give proper notice (usually 24 hours) before doing so. Consistent unauthorized entry is considered harassment.
Threatening Eviction Without Cause: Some landlords use eviction threats as a way to scare tenants into leaving, especially in rent-controlled units where they may want to raise the rent for new tenants. This is illegal under both the RSO and TAHO.
With the recent vote by the City Council to strengthen TAHO, penalties for landlords found guilty of harassment have increased. This includes a minimum civil penalty of $2,000 per violation, and tenants who successfully take their landlords to court are now entitled to receive attorney’s fees.
3. Repair and Habitability Rights: Don’t Live in Substandard Conditions
Another important area of tenant protection focuses on habitability. California law requires landlords to maintain rental units in a condition that is safe and livable. This means your landlord must ensure that essential services, such as heating, plumbing, and electricity, are functioning properly. Additionally, your unit must be free from health hazards like mold or pest infestations.
What Should You Do If Repairs Are Delayed? If your landlord is ignoring your repair requests, you have several options:
Write a Formal Repair Request: Always submit repair requests in writing and keep copies for your records. This creates a paper trail that can be useful if you need to escalate the situation.
Call the LA Housing Department: If your landlord refuses to make repairs, you can report them to the Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD), which will investigate the issue and potentially issue fines or penalties.
Use a Repair and Deduct Strategy: California law allows tenants to make necessary repairs themselves (up to one month’s rent in cost) and deduct the expenses from their rent. However, you must follow strict guidelines for this process, so consult with a tenant attorney or advocate first.
4. The Right to Organize: Building Tenant Power
In recent years, tenants in LA have increasingly come together to form tenant unions and neighborhood associations. These groups serve as powerful tools for renters to collectively advocate for their rights, push for better housing conditions, and fight back against unfair treatment.
The Los Angeles Tenants Union (LATU) is one of the city’s largest grassroots organizations, offering support to renters facing eviction, harassment, and rent hikes. They also organize protests, educational workshops, and legal support.
Collective Bargaining Power: When tenants organize, they gain leverage in negotiations with landlords. Tenant unions have successfully blocked evictions, halted rent increases, and forced landlords to make long-overdue repairs.
If you're facing issues with your landlord, joining a tenant union or seeking legal advice from organizations like the Inner City Law Center can be an empowering step forward.
5. What’s Next for LA Renters?
While the city continues to strengthen protections through laws like TAHO, more work is needed to address the broader housing crisis. The focus on tenant harassment, while essential, is only one piece of the puzzle. Advocates argue that the city must also work to expand affordable housing, enforce existing tenant protections, and provide renters with more accessible resources for legal aid.
The recent LA City Council vote to amend TAHO is a step in the right direction, but as renter advocates have pointed out, laws must be enforced to be truly effective. With thousands of tenant harassment complaints but minimal prosecutions, the city has a long road ahead in ensuring that these protections are meaningful.
Final Thoughts: Staying Informed and Empowered
As LA continues to update its housing policies, it’s essential for renters to stay informed about their rights and the resources available to them. Whether you’re dealing with an unresponsive landlord, unfair rent increases, or feeling pressured to move out, knowing your rights under the RSO, TAHO, and habitability laws can make all the difference.
At The Tenure View, we believe that knowledge is power. Understanding your rights isn’t just about fighting back when things go wrong—it’s about feeling secure in your home and confident in your ability to stand up for yourself. If you ever find yourself facing a housing issue, don’t hesitate to seek support from local tenant advocacy groups or legal aid services.
Stay tuned for more updates on tenant protections, housing news, and practical tips for navigating LA’s rental market!
