Updated on January 24, 2024
Often times, a potential buyer of a home wants to know if the property she/he is interested in is rent controlled before going ahead and entering into a contract to purchase the home or apartment.
Other times, there may be a scenario where you have already purchased a property, and you have tenants from the previous owner living there that say that the property is rent controlled.
But hey, the seller never disclosed such a thing. Could it be true?
Did the seller fail to disclose that the property was RSO, or is the tenant lying?
How can you check if your property is rent controlled?
Well, there might just be a way for you to find that out.
If you live if the City of Los Angeles, there is a great resource called the Zone Information and Map Access System (also known as ZIMAS) that will tell you whether or not your property is rent controlled. You can access ZIMAS by going to zimas.lacity.org. After typing in your property address, a map will come up that shows your property and there will be a menu on the left-hand side of the page.
One of the options on the menu is a section called Housing. After clicking on that menu option, one of the informational fields is Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO). If your property has “Yes” on that line, then your property is rent controlled. If your property has “No” on that line, your property is likely not rent controlled (unless the property has illegal rental units).
If do not live in the City of Los Angeles, you can usually find out if you are in a rent controlled property with some diligent internet research, but rarely will it be as easy as using ZIMAS.
Los Angeles County, known for its vast expanse and housing challenges, implements rent control through the Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO). This ordinance aims to balance rent stability with fair property management. The RSO applies to various areas, including cities with their own rent control policies and unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County.
Key Zip Codes Under Rent Control:
Recent policy changes in Los Angeles have landlords and tenants adapting to new rent control dynamics. Effective June 2, 2023, landlords can increase rents for RSO-covered homes starting January 1, 2024, under specific conditions. These changes create a complex environment where landlords must balance profitability with tenant attraction, and tenants must manage their budgets against housing stability. The housing landscape in Los Angeles is rapidly evolving, influenced by economic shifts and policy changes.
Both tenants and landlords can benefit from professional advice in navigating Los Angeles’ rent control landscape. Tenants should stay informed about rent control rules to avoid surprises, while landlords can seek guidance on property management within rent-controlled zones. Staying updated on housing policies and market trends is crucial for making informed decisions.
Effective property management in rent-controlled areas involves:
Q1: How can I find out if a property is rent-controlled in areas outside of Los Angeles?
For properties outside the City of Los Angeles, you would typically need to conduct diligent internet research. This may involve checking local government websites or contacting local rent control boards or housing authorities for information.
Q2: What does it mean if a property is under the Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO)?
If a property is under the RSO, it means that it is subject to rent control regulations. These regulations can include limits on rent increases, requirements for just cause for eviction, and other tenant protections.
Q3: Are there exceptions to properties being classified as rent-controlled under the RSO?
Yes, there are exceptions. For instance, if a property in Los Angeles shows ‘No’ under the RSO status in ZIMAS but has illegal rental units, it might still be subject to rent control. It’s important to investigate the specific circumstances of each property.
At Schorr Law, Our real estate attorneys in Los Angeles have experience with a variety of real estate matters, including property ownership transfers, etc. To inquire about a free 30-minute consultation, send us a message.
SCHORR LAW IS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH ZIMAS OR ANY RENT CONTROL ORGANIZATION. THEREFORE, WE CANNOT PROVIDE POTENTIAL CLIENTS WITH LEGAL ADVICE REGARDING WHETHER OR NOT YOUR PROPERTY IS UNDER RENT CONTROL.