The Los Angeles City Council’s Housing and Homelessness Committee on Wednesday will take up proposals that would make the city’s rent stabilization ordinance more restrictive and limit property owners’ ability to cover their rising costs.

The city released an adjustment study last year recommending changes that would curb property owners’ ability to adjust rents fairly and sustainably. Among the recommendations being considered at 2:30 p.m. Oct. 1:

  • Replacing the Consumer Price Index-All Items with the CPI-Less Shelter index, which excludes housing costs and typically results in a lower allowance.
  • Lowering the minimum rent increase floor from 3% to 2%.
  • Reducing the maximum rent increase cap from 8% to 5%.
  • Eliminating the 1%–2% utility rent increase for housing providers who cover gas and electricity.

Many groups, advocating for stricter rent control, are pressuring the council to go further by demanding a hard 3% cap or 60% of CPI, whichever is lower, effectively disconnecting rent adjustments from inflation and operating costs.

A peer review by Beacon Economics has identified serious flaws in the city’s adjustment study, concluding that the proposed changes are not supported by data and would worsen the housing crisis by discouraging investment and increasing turnover costs. Read the key highlights or view the full critique report.

The committee discussion is expected to cover not only the rent stabilization ordinance formula but also an indoor temperature threshold motion and proposals to streamline noticing, listed as items 2, 3 and 4 on the agenda. While no vote is anticipated on Oct. 1, the meeting highlights the city’s continuing pattern of punitive housing policies, following years of rent freezes, eviction moratoriums, and new regulatory burdens.

Get involved

CAA is urging housing providers to make their voices heard.

Attend the meeting in person:

  • When: Wednesday, Oct. 1, at 2:30 p.m.
  • Where: 193 N. Main St., Los Angeles, CA 90012 – John Ferraro Council Chamber, third floor
  • What: Items 2, 3 and 4

Ask to speak on “Item 2, 3, 4 and general public comment.” Seating is limited, so arrive early.

Contact City Council members:
Click the button below to send a message directly to decision makers.

Contact Council