There are several very significant NEW Laws (i.e. ordinances) passed by the City of Los Angeles City Council in the past three years that have created protections for tenants. These laws specifically allow for new causes of action in court in addition to providing administrative oversight authority for the City of LA (via LAHD, LA Civil Rights Dept, LADBS, etc.) to further enforce the new laws. Anybody affected or potentially affected by a landlord's actions can file a complaint with the appropriate department. The City will investigate and can seek civil penalties in addition to providing support for aggrieved parties. This page has info regarding these ordinances.
Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance
Temporary Protections for Tenants During Covid-19 Ordinance
Los Angeles Civil and Human Rights Law
Ordinance 187736
Ordinance 187737
Summary of Some of the Protections for Tenants in City of LA
Temporary Protections of Tenants During Covid-19
Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance
NEW Protections in 2023
Ordinance: 187737
NEW Protections in 2023
Ordinance: 187736
LA Civil and Human Rights Law
These protections set the minimum protections required in all of Los Angeles County. Much of this resolution expires on March 31st, 2023. But very important parts of the resolution do not expire, including the prohibitions against harassment of tenants by landlords and their agents.
Prohibition of Excessive Rent Raises
LAMC Code Section Re: RSO
Use this to input address and determine if the rental property is an "RSO Property".
Also use to determine other basic info about the property: e.g., city, school district, etc.
Use this tool from LAHD to determine whether a property is protected under the City of LA RSO
File a discrimination complaint when certain protected classes are involved.
Also a great site for links to other sources of help and regulatory oversight and enforcement.
LAHD Online Complaint Form: LAHD will immediately begin investigation of all complaints.
City of LA will quickly contact you to schedule a property inspection for any reported violations.
File a complaint for fair housing discrimination with the State of California's Enforcement agency for discrimination in housing. Discrimination takes MANY forms.
Learn about housing discrimination HERE.
California Code of Regulations: Fair Employment and Housing
Unruh Civil Rights Act (Requires business establishments to provide equal accommodations)
Ralph Civil Rights Act (Prohibits hate violence or the threat of hate violence)