Landlord Obligations in Los Angeles

Landlords and tenants should understand their rights and responsibilities before renting a property. Landlord obligations in Los Angeles include ensuring rental units are safe and habitable, respecting a tenant’s privacy, responding to repair requests, complying with fair housing laws, limiting rent increases, and more.

Talking with an experienced habitability attorney can help answer your questions. Reach out to the team at CD Law for help navigating the rental process and guidance on what to do if issues arise.

Condition of the Property

Under California law, Los Angeles landlords are responsible for maintaining a safe and habitable rental property. These obligations include providing:

Working plumbing with hot and cold water and proper sewage disposal
Safe, functional electrical systems, wiring, and heating
Properly maintained walls and roofs to protect against rain and wind
Operational smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Accessible fire and emergency exits
Adequate pest control to prevent infestations of rodents and insects
Sufficient sanitation facilities, including garbage cans and clean common areas

Beyond these essentials, landlords are also required to keep floors, stairways, and railings in good repair and to address health hazards—such as visible mold and dampness—promptly.

Additionally, California law mandates that landlords provide secure windows with locks that are functional and easy to open, as well as deadbolt locks on all exterior doors. This helps ensure the safety and security of tenants.

Notice to Enter the Property

A landlord must give a renter written notice before entering a property for a non-emergency. This notice should include the reason for entry and the expected date and time. Hours for entry should be within regular business hours, which are generally Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. The landlord can deliver the notice directly, leave it near the front door, give it to a responsible person, or mail it.

24-hour notice is required for repairs, inspections, or showing the property to other potential renters or buyers, whereas notice for other legal reasons for entry can range from 48 hours to 6 days.

Deviations From Required Notice

Los Angeles landlords are obligated to ensure that a rental property is maintained properly at all times. As such, they can enter the property without prior notice in case of an emergency like a fire or gas leak.

A landlord may also enter the unit without notice if the tenant has abandoned the property.

Limiting Rental Increases

The California Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482) restricts how much a landlord can increase rent within a 12-month period. Under this law, landlords may only raise the rental rate by up to 5% plus the percentage increase in the cost of living or 10%, whichever is lower. This cap helps protect tenants from drastic rent hikes.

Additionally, the law requires Los Angeles landlords to clearly itemize the gross monthly rent in the rental agreement. Any discounts, incentives, concessions, or credits must also be specified, providing transparency for tenants on the exact costs and any offers included in their lease.

Work With a Los Angeles Attorney to Understand Landlord Obligations

Landlords in Los Angeles have numerous obligations to their tenants, from maintaining the property in good condition to adhering to laws governing rental cost increases and permissible entry into rental units. Ensuring compliance with these requirements can feel overwhelming, but it is essential.