If you’re a homeowner, landlord, or tenant in the City of Los Angeles, there’s a major housing update you should know about — and it could affect how rental properties are managed moving forward.
In 2023, the city introduced a new Just Cause for Eviction Ordinance (JCO). What does that mean in everyday terms? Essentially, it’s a law that says landlords can’t evict tenants without a legally valid reason — also known as a "just cause." This aims to protect tenants from being unfairly or suddenly displaced, especially in properties that weren’t previously under strict rent control.
Who Does the JCO Law Apply To?
This new ordinance applies to most residential rental units in Los Angeles that aren’t already covered by the city’s Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO). If you’re renting out a single-family home, condo, or a newer apartment (built after 1978), chances are this applies to you.
Tenants gain JCO protections after either:
Living in the unit for 6 months, or
Completing their initial lease term (whichever comes first).
So even if the property isn’t under traditional rent control, these protections still kick in after that period.
What Counts as a "Just Cause" for Eviction?
There are two main categories of acceptable reasons for eviction:
At-Fault Evictions
These are tenant-related issues, such as:
Not paying rent
Violating the lease
Causing serious disturbances
Committing illegal activity on the property
Refusing to give reasonable access to the unit
Not signing a similar lease after the old one expires
No-Fault Evictions
These have nothing to do with tenant behavior. Common reasons include:
The owner (or a close family member) wants to move in
The property is being permanently removed from the rental market
The unit needs major repairs, demolition, or remodeling
Government orders require the tenant to leave
If you're doing a no-fault eviction, you’ll also need to pay relocation assistance to help the tenant find a new place.
What Landlords Need to Do
If you’re a landlord, the JCO comes with a few extra responsibilities:
You must file eviction notices with the Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD) within 3 business days of giving them to the tenant.
You must notify your tenants about their rights under this ordinance.
You’ll owe relocation money for no-fault evictions — this amount varies depending on the situation.
There’s a new annual fee: The city has approved a $31.05 per unit enforcement fee, with the first payment due by February 28, 2025.
Why This Matters
For tenants, this adds a level of security — knowing they can’t be evicted for no reason.
For landlords, it’s more important than ever to understand your responsibilities and ensure any lease termination is handled legally and respectfully. These changes may require adjusting your leasing practices, especially if your property was previously exempt from rent control laws.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re managing one property or several, or you're a tenant navigating your rights, the JCO law represents a big shift in how housing is handled in L.A. The best approach? Stay informed, be proactive, and when in doubt — consult a legal or real estate expert.
If you have any questions about how this might impact your property or tenancy, I’m always happy to help walk you through the details.
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