What’s New in LA Housing? December 2025 Updates You Shouldn’t Miss

LA housing is changing again here’s what’s happening now.

As we enter the last month of 2025, Los Angeles closes out a year marked by important policy shifts, new enforcement priorities, and updates that directly impact both landlords and tenants. December is the perfect moment to recap what has changed especially for anyone hoping to start 2026 fully compliant, organized, and ahead of potential issues.

At Strategic Growth Real Estate, we stay closely aligned with city and county updates to ensure our clients are always protected. Here is the most relevant, accurate, and current information to know right now.

1. Major RSO Reform: New Rent Adjustment Structure for 2025–2026

One of the most significant housing updates this year has been the revision of Los Angeles’ Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO). In November 2025, the LA City Council approved a long-debated overhaul that reshapes how rent increases work for rent-controlled units.

Key December 2025 Highlights

• Annual rent increases will fall between 1% and 4%, tied to inflation.

• Utility-related rent surcharges have been eliminated from the RSO increase formula.

• Additional occupant or dependent surcharges are being phased out to simplify billing and reduce disputes.

These changes aim to provide stability during a period of rising living costs in Southern California.

Why This Matters

For landlords:A more predictable formula means planning is essential. Owners should prioritize:

• Long-term budgeting

• Routine maintenance to protect asset value

• Up-to-date documentation for all rent notices

For tenants:The updated formula offers clearer expectations around future rent increases.

2. Reinforced Tenant Protections: Stronger Enforcement in 2025

Another theme this year has been stronger tenant protection enforcement, especially around harassment and improper eviction attempts.

Latest Points to Know

• The City Attorney’s office has increased enforcement actions for tenant anti-harassment violations.

• Several cases made headlines this year, including the first major enforcement of the city's Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance.

• Complaints related to safety, unaddressed repairs, and improper communication are being processed more swiftly than in past years.

These enhanced enforcement efforts reflect the city’s ongoing focus on housing stability.

3. LAHD Updates: Digital Improvements and Increased Oversight

As we close 2025, LAHD is reinforcing core RSO requirements annual rent limits, relocation rules, and mandatory registration. The City is also reminding rental owners to stay current with fees and proper notice procedures, while tenants continue to be protected under habitability and anti-harassment laws. DCBA has released updated guidance to help both sides understand their rights more clearly.

Key improvements

• A more efficient digital portal for registrations and filings.

• Faster processing of select complaints.

• Expanded multilingual support.

LAHD has not announced new inspection programs, but habitability enforcement remains a priority, making clean records and timely repairs essential for all property owners.

4. LA County Housing Ordinances Update: Changes Coming in 2026

In addition to city-level updates, Los Angeles County is preparing changes that will shape future housing development and compliance requirements.

What’s happening now

• The County’s Housing Ordinances Update is in advanced public review.

• The update aims to align local zoning and housing regulations with new state housing laws.

• While the formal implementation is expected in 2026, property owners in unincorporated areas should begin preparing now.

For landlords with portfolios that include both city and county properties, understanding the differences will be especially important next year.

5. End-of-Year Action Steps for Landlords and Tenants

As a property management company, December is one of our busiest months. We recommend the following:

For Landlords

• Review RSO registration and ensure all units are correctly filed.

• Update rent increase notices for 2026 to align with the new RSO formula.

• Complete preventive maintenance: HVAC checks, plumbing, smoke detectors, mold prevention.

• Refresh communication templates to match current city guidelines.

For Tenants

• Review your lease terms and clarify how 2026 increases will work.

• Report habitability issues before year end for faster processing.

• Keep communication records organized.

  
  

6. Looking Ahead: What to Expect in 2026

Based on the latest December 2025 updates, we anticipate:

• More structured enforcement of RSO compliance.

• Increased attention to habitability conditions in multi-family buildings.

• Continued refinement of LAHD digital systems.

• Additional clarity from L.A. County on upcoming zoning rule changes.

• Ongoing tenant protection enforcement.

At Strategic Growth Real Estate, we are already adjusting our internal processes to ensure our clients enter 2026 fully prepared.

A Year of Change, and a Chance to Get Ahead

With significant policy changes and new enforcement priorities, December is the ideal moment to evaluate your building, update your compliance, and prepare for a smoother year ahead.

Our mission at Strategic Growth Real Estate is to ensure that both landlords and tenants feel secure, informed, and supported through every update big or small.

If you need help reviewing your property’s compliance, preparing documents, or planning for 2026, our team is here to guide you.

Sources

• LA City Council – RSO Reform ApprovalsWestside Today: “Los Angeles City Council Approves Major Rent Control Overhaul, Capping Increases at 4%”

• Tenant Anti-Harassment EnforcementJacobin: “Los Angeles Tenants Scored a Victory Against a Landlord Who Tried to Get Them Deported”

• ULA Income Support Program (Eligibility & Status)Los Angeles Housing Department

• LA County Planning – Housing Ordinances UpdateLos Angeles County Planning Department