Supervisors Approve Rent Cap in Unincorporated Areas

The County Board of Supervisors voted on Tuesday to impose a cap on rents in unincorporated parts of Los Angeles County.

The rent cap will limit increases to 3% in 2023.

“The ordinance amends the Los Angeles County Code by modifying and clarifying rental units that are fully covered, partially covered or fully exempt, imposing a temporary cap, from January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023, on the maximum allowable annual rent increase for fully covered rental units at three percent and luxury units at five percent, modifying the term For Cause to an At-Fault termination, requiring landlords to file an unlawful detainer action only if the tenant’s rental debt exceeds one month of fair market rent dependent on their rental unit size; and further clarifying the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants.”

Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who represents nearby Altadena, voted against the ordinance.

“While I understand the desire to deal with systemic problems like inflation and a high priced housing market with ‘quick fixes’ like rent caps, I believe imposing a cap on rent increases in our unincorporated communities is the wrong move,” Barger said.

“Rent increase restrictions have a lot of negative, unintended consequences. Property owners are shouldering financial consequences while their property bills keep rising. Rent cap policies can also make a scarce housing market even leaner. Property owners in our unincorporated communities will have little to no incentive to lease their available properties, which will exacerbate our housing crisis.

“I voted ‘no’ today because I can’t support policies that are unbalanced and shortsighted.”