If you own rental property in unincorporated Los Angeles County — including areas like East Los Angeles (90022) — the County has officially published the new allowable rent increase amounts under the Rent Stabilization and Tenant Protections Ordinance (RSTPO) for the upcoming period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027.

According to the County’s updated guidelines, the new allowable annual rent increases are as follows:

✅ Standard Rental Units: 1.919%
✅ Small Property Landlords: 2.919%
✅ Luxury Units: 3.919%

These increases apply specifically to properties that fall under the County’s RSTPO regulations in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County.

For many housing providers, this announcement comes as another reminder of how important it is to stay on top of local rent control laws — especially as operating costs, insurance premiums, utilities, labor, and maintenance expenses continue to rise across Southern California.

What Is Considered a “Small Property Landlord”?

The County provides a slightly higher allowable increase for qualifying small property owners. Generally, this applies to landlords who own a limited number of rental units and meet specific ownership criteria established by the County. Because qualification standards can vary depending on ownership structure and property count, landlords should verify directly with Los Angeles County before applying the higher increase.

Why This Matters?

Many landlords wait several years before adjusting rents, only to find themselves significantly behind market conditions and rising operational costs. In heavily regulated areas, modest annual increases are often the only opportunity owners have to gradually keep pace with inflation and property expenses.

We continue to encourage housing providers to:

✔ Review whether their property falls under County RSTPO regulations
✔ Confirm eligibility for small property landlord status
✔ Properly serve required notices before implementing increases
✔ Maintain strong documentation and compliance records
✔ Stay informed as local housing laws continue to evolve

Important Reminder for 90022 Property Owners

One common misconception is that zip code 90022 falls under Los Angeles city rent control. In many cases, portions of 90022 are actually considered unincorporated Los Angeles County and therefore follow the County’s RSTPO guidelines instead of the City of Los Angeles RSO rules.

This distinction is critical because the allowable increases, registration requirements, and tenant protections can differ substantially depending on jurisdiction.

Final Thoughts

As we continue moving through 2026, we’re seeing more landlords carefully reevaluate long-term property operations, rental strategies, and compliance procedures. Whether you own a duplex, a fourplex, or a larger multifamily asset, understanding the rules that apply to your property is more important than ever.

If you’re unsure whether your property falls under County RSTPO regulations or how these new rent caps apply to your building, don't hesitate to contact Shant Sherbetdjian directly.

Shant Sherbetdjian

Realtor/Apartment Specialist
Team Southern California Apartment Group

Office: 626-657-8150