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The City Council took an important step this week in setting clear, fair, and predictable rules for how rent increases work for apartments covered by the Rent Stabilization Ordinance. The new policy ties annual increases to inflation, with a simple formula everyone can easily plan around. It also ends extra add-on charges tied to utilities and family size. These changes protect renters citywide and give everyone a stable, predictable set of rules.
Under the old system, landlords were allowed to raise rent between 3 and 8 percent each year, based on 100 percent of the inflation rate. If the landlord paid for utilities under a master meter, they could add another 1 or 2 percent, even if electricity or water costs were lower than the added-on percentages. Park La Brea is a clear example. It is the largest rent-stabilized community west of the Mississippi, with more than 10,000 renters who live in master-metered buildings. For years, Park La Brea residents saw extra utility-related increases without any transparency around actual bills or usage.
On top of that, landlords added up to 10 percent when another adult moved in or when a family had a second child. In real life, these extra percentages are often stacked together, creating significant rent increases. A household might see a base increase tied to inflation, plus an extra utility increase, plus a charge for a new adult in the home. Rent hikes could reach 20 percent in a single year. Increases at that level, especially when they do not match real costs or income growth, push people toward eviction and make it harder for them to stay in their communities.
The new rules take a different approach. Each year, rent increases for RSO units will track inflation at 90 percent of the Consumer Price Index, with a built-in floor and cap. When inflation is low, landlords may still raise rent by at least 1 percent. When prices spike, increases will not go above 4 percent. At the same time, the Council removed the extra utility surcharges and the 10 percent add-ons for new adults or a second child coming into the home. Renters will now see a clear annual increase they can plan around, instead of a mix of separate charges. For small landlords, this formula still reflects most of their cost increases while avoiding sharp swings that put tenants at risk. This marks the first major update to the city’s rent stabilization rules in more than forty years.
This change builds on several protections the Council has adopted since I took office to keep people housed. The Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance gives renters tools to push back when a landlord tries to drive them out through pressure or neglect. The Just Cause Ordinance sets clear standards for when a landlord ends a tenancy and requires relocation assistance when tenants receive a no-fault eviction. The Right to Counsel Program connects lower-income renters facing eviction with legal representation. United to House LA funds rent relief, emergency assistance, and other supports to prevent people from losing their homes. The Resident Protection Ordinance adds stronger relocation rights and a guaranteed right to return to new affordable homes when owners redevelop older buildings. Together, these policies help achieve the following simple goals: keep people housed and protect tenants from losing their homes through avoidable rent shocks or unfair treatment. Combined with this week’s update to the City’s Rent Stabilization Ordinance, these protections will keep more Angelenos housed and start to stem the flow of evicted Angelenos into homelessness
Small landlords play an important role in this effort. As the City strengthens protections for tenants, we also need to support responsible owners who live in and care for their properties. Last month, the Council approved a motion I wrote that directs the Housing Department to develop simpler notice templates and to dedicate staff to help small landlords with ten or fewer units understand and follow city rules. A related action asks the City to study a means-tested deferred maintenance fund for small landlords who show real need, along with possible funding sources.
My goals throughout this legislative process have been straightforward. Protect renters from unreasonable rent hikes, while supporting small, responsible landlords who keep our housing stable and in good shape. Keep as much of our housing stock as possible in the hands of local owners, rather than large corporations that treat homes as financial commodities. I believe these new rent rules accomplish those goals and move us toward a clearer, fairer, and more stable housing system for everyone in Los Angeles.
All my best,
Katy |
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California Commission For The Status Of Women And Girls
On Monday, I delivered the keynote address at the statewide convening of the California Commission for the Status of Women and Girls, hosted along with the LA County Commission for Women and Mount Saint Mary’s University. I spoke about the progress women have made in leadership across Los Angeles, the work still needed to protect access to healthcare, education, and safety, and the role representation plays in shaping policy that reflects lived experience. The event brought together leaders from across the state who remain focused on advancing equity for women and girls.
PICO NC Joint Finance & General Board Meeting Agenda
On Wednesday, I joined the PICO Neighborhood Council for its November meeting to share updates on homelessness, public safety, street maintenance, nuisance properties, and SB 79. |
Community House Gatherings
Jacki Karsh invited me into her home this month for a conversation with neighbors about the issues shaping daily life in Los Angeles. We talked about the City’s financial challenges, my work as Budget Chair, homelessness, antisemitism, hopes for peace in the Middle East, and how recent elections across the country may influence local policy. These small group discussions are invaluable as they help ground my work.
Westside Neighborhood Council Meeting
On Thursday, I joined the Westside Neighborhood Council for its November meeting. We discussed SB79, public safety, the recent Inside Safe operation at Cotner, and the steps our office is taking to address the encampment at the Sepulveda and the 10 freeway underpass. |
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Targeted City Services
Our team coordinated several targeted service efforts across the district this week to improve safety and cleanliness. LA Sanitation cleared debris along the 600 block of South Fairfax, street-sweeping crews removed rocks and buildup on Benedict Canyon Drive, and the Bureau of Street Services completed a major asphalt restoration on Veteran Avenue after initial spot repairs. These focused interventions help keep our streets safer and more reliable for everyone. |
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World Day of Remembrance for Victims of Traffic Violence
On Friday, I led a presentation recognizing the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims and honoring the families who live with these horrible losses. I spoke about the urgent need for Los Angeles to invest in proven street-safety projects, especially as traffic deaths continue to rise. This issue is personal for my team and for communities across the city, and I will keep pushing for stronger Vision Zero work, safer street design, and dedicated funding to save lives.
Menopause Motion
On Friday, the Council advanced a motion that I co-authored with Councilwoman Raman to take a closer look at how the City supports employees experiencing menopause. This is the first time the Council has taken up this issue, even though half the population goes through menopause and many women spend a large part of their working lives managing its symptoms. Let me tell you, having a hot flash on the City Council floor is a singular experience. The report will examine leave policies, supervisor training, and practical accommodations that create a healthier, more supportive workplace. Addressing menopause openly helps ensure our policies reflect real life and acknowledges the experiences women bring to their jobs every day. Globally, cities like London and Sydney are leading the way on menopause policies, and this motion initiates that work in Los Angeles.
New Fire Chief Jaime Moore
The Council approved the Mayor’s appointment of Jaime Moore as the next Chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department. Chief Moore brings more than 30 years of service and experience to the department, including leadership in major wildland fire responses and key investigative work in the Arson and Counter Terrorism Section. He also helped strengthen FireStat LA, the department’s data-driven management system, and will be the first Spanish-speaking Fire Chief to lead the LAFD once confirmed. |
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Pie Season at DU-PARS!
The holidays are here, and Du-par’s at the Original Farmers Market is one of my favorite spots to mark the season. Their pies are a standout, but their legendary hotcakes are a close second. The diner opened in 1938 and has stayed a beloved part of the neighborhood for generations.
A few years ago, the restaurant was set to close when the owner planned to retire. Frances Tario, who managed the diner, stepped in and took it over. Du-par’s is still here today because of her commitment to the staff, the customers, and the history of a beloved LA icon. It remains a welcoming spot to share a meal, catch up with friends, and support a true Los Angeles institution. |
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I-405 Updates: Upcoming Lane Reductions Through the Sepulveda Pass
Caltrans has announced two sets of lane reductions on the I-405 through the Sepulveda Pass. Overnight closures will take place November 17–21, with lane and ramp reductions beginning after 9:00 PM and ending by 6:00 AM each morning. In addition, the previously scheduled extended weekend closure has been moved to December 5–8, when the freeway will be reduced to three lanes in each direction from Friday at 10:00 PM through Monday at 5:00 AM. Drivers should plan extra time, consider alternate routes, or use transit during both periods. Visit the Caltrans Current Projects Website for more information. |
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Netflix x CicLAvia - Stranger Things on Melrose Avenue l Sunday, November 23, 2025
Experience the Ultimate Stranger Things Farewell on Melrose!
Grab your bike, skates, or walking shoes and join the community for a one-day-only car-free celebration on Melrose Ave, transformed into the world of Hawkins for the Stranger Things finale season. Step into the 1980s—come dressed as your favorite character or rock your best neon leg warmers and retro gear!
Enjoy a pop-up park experience for all ages and abilities with music, activities, and local gems along the route. Don’t miss your chance to explore the Upside Down before it’s gone—November 23.
Location: Melrose and Fairfax - Los Angeles, CA 90046
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
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If you have any need pertaining to the City of Los Angeles, please reach out:
City Hall Office
200 N. Spring Street, Suite 440
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 473-7005
(323) 866-1828
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Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky 200 N. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90012 Unsubscribe |
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