In a historic move, the Los Angeles City Council voted on Wednesday to cap rent increases for most apartments, marking the first major overhaul of rent control rules in decades. The new regulations will limit annual rent hikes to between 1% and 4%, depending on inflation, a significant reduction from the previous range of 3% to 8%. This decision aims to address the city’s affordability crisis and help narrow the gap between rich and poor.
Councilmember Nithya Raman, who championed the measure, emphasized the importance of making Los Angeles more affordable. “When people can afford to stay in Los Angeles, this entire city thrives,” she said during a press conference with tenant activists. Mayor Karen Bass also supported the council’s action, stating that it aligns with her broader focus on preventing homelessness and controlling skyrocketing rents.
The council’s 12-2 vote followed a heated debate, revealing deep ideological divisions. While tenant organizers celebrated the decision as a victory, landlords expressed concerns about potential financial losses and the impact on property maintenance and development. Chris Gray, president of Moss & Company, a property management firm, warned that the vote could negatively affect the housing supply.
The new rules apply to apartments built before October 1978, which make up about three-quarters of the rental market in Los Angeles. The changes are expected to take effect before many tenants face their next rent increase in February. The vote is seen as a capstone of efforts by tenant rights groups, such as “Keep LA Housed,” to push for stronger protections.
The COVID-19 pandemic set the stage for these tenant victories, as the city implemented temporary measures like eviction bans and rent freezes. The council’s decision reflects a shift in housing politics, driven by the election of progressive members like Raman and others who prioritize tenant rights.
As Los Angeles continues to grapple with a homelessness crisis and high living costs, the new rent control measures aim to provide relief to over 1.5 million residents living in rent-stabilized apartments. However, the decision requires an additional vote to ratify specific language before becoming law.
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