Rent-Control and Rent-Stabilization Ordinances
Many cities in California, including Los Angeles (including parts of Encino, Van Nuys, Northridge, San Pedro, Venice, and Hollywood), Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, and Thousand Oaks have laws designed to protect renters from large increases in rent by typically specifying a maximum percentage by which landlords can increase rent (for example, 5%, or 10% of the lowest rent charged at any time during the 12 months prior to the increase-whichever is less) along with corresponding limits on the frequency of increases (typically twice annually). These ordinances also protect tenants from evictions, and require “just cause” (acceptable reasons) to evict, for example if the landlord is going out of the rental business, the tenant has violated a significant term in the lease. In such situations, the landlord, however, must comply with specific requirements. Landlords who violate these restrictions often face civil and even criminal penalties. The laws surrounding rent-stabilizations are complex.
The experienced attorneys at the Harouni Law Group can help you to determine if your landlord is violating the rent-stabilization ordinances, and wrongfully taking advantage of you, and can help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.