The formula that determines how much landlords can increase rents in most Los Angeles apartments hasn’t been updated in 40 years. After long delays , City Council members began discussions this week to change those rules.

The new effort at reform has the potential to significantly lower the yearly increases paid by most tenants in a city where housing affordability has long been a top concern.

Currently, the city’s rules allow annual increases of up to 10%, depending on inflation and whether a landlord covers a renter’s gas and electricity bills. Rent hikes can be even higher in cases where tenants add new occupants to their households.

A proposal from the L.A. Housing Department would instead cap increases at 5%. Meanwhile, tenant advocates continue pushing city leaders to pass

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