The Los Angeles City Housing Committee on Wednesday, June 4, advanced a proposal that would permanently eliminate “substantial remodel” as a just cause for eviction in non-RSO (non-rent-controlled) properties governed under the Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482).  

The state law applies to most rental properties built after 1978 that are not covered by local rent control. The change would remove an option for terminating a tenancy that landlords currently use about 40 times per year citywide. 

The Los Angeles Housing Department presented three policy options for consideration. The committee chose the most restrictive: complete elimination of the ability to reclaim a unit for substantial renovation in AB 1482 properties. 

The decision affects only non-rent-controlled properties covered by AB 1482, a state law that limits annual rent increases and requires just cause for evictions on most of California’s non-rent-controlled housing stock.  

Without the substantial remodel termination option, AB 1482 landlords would have no streamlined pathway to conduct extensive work that requires a tenant to permanently vacate According to city data, the city’s rent control law already lacks a practical substantial remodel eviction option. 

It is unclear at this time what the differences, if any, will exist between rent-controlled properties and non-rent controlled as it relates to the ability to conduct major rehabilitation work. Once approved, the department will issue guidelines and procedures.  

The California Apartment Association opposed the decision to advance the ban. In a letter to the committee, the association urged city leaders to preserve the AB 1482 pathway while simultaneously reforming the inadequate RSO process. 

“The Tenant Protection Act established a streamlined process for renovating and remodeling aging buildings, which guarantees monetary assistance to tenants if specific rehabilitation conditions are met. Substantial remodels are not minor upgrades,” said Fred Sutton, CAA’s senior vice president of local public affairs. 

City data reveals a stark contrast between the two systems. From January 2023 through April 2025, housing providers obtained approval for substantial remodel work in 80 non-rent-controlled properties, averaging 40 per year. During the same period, only 21 rent-controlled properties met the criteria for substantial remodel under the RSO’s Primary Renovation Program — roughly 10 per year. 

The Housing Department’s own report pointed to systemic problems in the RSO program. Rent adjustment and cost pass-through requests are taking more than a year to process, discouraging investment and proper upkeep of rental housing.  

The proposal now heads to the full City Council for a final vote. CAA continues to advocate for maintaining the AB 1482 pathway while pushing for reforms to make the RSO renovation process more viable for rent-controlled properties.