Tenant Protection Laws
California and LA County law provide important protections for tenants, including people experiencing homelessness and those living in permanent supportive housing. ICMS case managers play a key role in helping participants understand and exercise their rights.
Use the tabs below to access key protection documents, review case manager guidance, and find answers to common tenant rights questions.
Tenant Protection Documents
The following documents provide official tenant protection information for residents of Los Angeles County and the City of Los Angeles. Case managers should be familiar with these resources and share them with participants as relevant.
Note: Tenant protection laws vary by jurisdiction. A participant’s protections depend on whether they live within the City of Los Angeles, unincorporated LA County, or another municipality. Always verify which protections apply based on the unit’s location.
LA County Rent Stabilization and Tenant Protection Ordinance
The LA County RSO and Tenant Protection Ordinance applies to unincorporated LA County. Covers rent stabilization, just cause eviction protections, and tenant rights notices.
City of Los Angeles Renter Protections Notice
The LAHD Renter Protections Notice applies to units within the City of Los Angeles. Covers rent control, just cause eviction, and tenant rights under the City’s RSO and Tenant Protection Ordinance.
Revised May 13, 2025
State of California — Landlord-Tenant Issues
The California Attorney General’s Office provides resources on landlord-tenant rights and protections under state law, including information on habitability, repairs, and dispute resolution.
Legal Aid Resources — Tenants Know Your Rights
Free legal aid resources are available to help tenants understand their rights and access support for eviction defense, discrimination complaints, and landlord disputes.
Case Manager Guidance on Tenant Protections
Case managers play a critical role in helping participants understand and exercise their tenant rights. Use the guidance below to support participants effectively across common situations.
Note: For additional guidance or support, collaborate with your supervisor, colleagues, legal aid resources, or specialized housing advocates. Contact your DHS-assigned program manager with questions.
Maintenance Issues
Immediately document the issue and assist the client in reporting it to the property manager. Follow up regularly to ensure timely resolution and keep detailed records of interactions and responses.
Potential Eviction
Verify the reason for eviction and ensure it qualifies as a legitimate just cause. Help the client understand their rights and engage legal aid resources. Mediate discussions with landlords whenever possible.
Emergency Repairs
Treat emergency repair reports with urgency. Promptly contact property management to ensure immediate action is taken. Document all actions and follow up regularly until resolved.
Rent Increases
Educate clients about their rights regarding rent increases, including notice requirements and legal rent increase limits. Assist them in addressing concerns or disputes directly with landlords.
Landlord Entry
Ensure that landlords provide at least 24 hours written notice before entering a unit, except in emergencies. Guide clients on their rights and mediate if disputes arise regarding entry requests.
Landlord Retaliation
Document the claim thoroughly and provide advocacy. Inform clients of their rights and contact fair housing and legal resources for additional support to protect clients from retaliatory actions.
Security Deposit Disputes
Advise clients on the legal limits and protections related to security deposits. Help them document the condition of the unit upon move-in and move-out to minimize disputes.
Discrimination
Support the client in documenting the incident, assist them in filing a complaint with appropriate fair housing authorities, and advocate for the client throughout the process.
Tenant Responsibilities
Clearly communicate client responsibilities including rent payments, property maintenance, and adherence to lease terms. Regularly reinforce these responsibilities during check-ins and provide written resources as reminders.
Lease Violations and Compliance
Advance documentation of lease violations and proactive action helps prevent eviction. Document violations and notify the participant promptly. Examples include documenting condition of units upon move-in and move-out and addressing disputes before they escalate.
Legal Aid and Additional Support
When participants face tenant rights issues that require legal support, case managers should connect them to appropriate legal aid resources. Free and low-cost legal services are available throughout LA County.
Important: Case managers should never provide legal advice. Always refer participants to appropriate legal aid organizations when legal guidance is needed. For additional guidance, contact your DHS-assigned program manager.
Legal Aid Resources
Free and low-cost legal aid is available to tenants across LA County for eviction defense, discrimination complaints, security deposit disputes, and other landlord-tenant issues.
Fair Housing Resources
Fair housing organizations can assist with discrimination complaints and provide advocacy support for participants who have experienced housing discrimination based on protected characteristics.