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Inglewood Tenant Rights

A "Greater Of" Rent Cap Formula, a Fair Market Rent Catch-Up Mechanism, and a Newly Reinforced Registry

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Renting in Inglewood

Inglewood has been transformed over the past several years by the arrival of SoFi Stadium and the Intuit Dome, along with the development pressure and rising rents that came with them. The City Council responded with the Inglewood Residential Rent Regulations Ordinance and Just Cause for Eviction Ordinance, both effective December 5, 2019, and originally limited to buildings with 5 or more units. In 2021 the City Council expanded coverage to most multi-unit buildings and added a mandatory property registration requirement — and effective January 1, 2026, that registration mandate was reinforced to explicitly capture all properties with 2 or more units, mixed-use buildings with a residential component, and any residential property owned by a business entity rather than an individual. Inglewood's rent cap formula also works differently than most nearby cities: rather than capping increases at the lower of a flat percentage or CPI, Inglewood uses whichever is greater, with an additional catch-up mechanism for units priced well below fair market rent.

📋 Inglewood Residential Rent Regulations Ordinance (Ordinance No. 20-03)

Enacted Effective December 5, 2019; expanded 2021; registry reinforced effective January 1, 2026
Annual Rent Cap Base cap: 3% or CPI, whichever is GREATER (unusual — most cities use whichever is lower) — plus a possible Fair Market Rent catch-up increase
Governing Code Inglewood Municipal Code Chapter 8, Article 9 (§§8-120 through 8-130)

What Units Are Covered?

Originally limited to buildings with 5 or more units, the ordinance was expanded in 2021 to cover most multi-unit residential buildings in Inglewood. As of January 1, 2026, all properties with 2 or more units — including mixed-use buildings with a residential component and any residential property owned by a corporate entity rather than a natural person — must register through the city's online Housing Protection Registry.

How the Rent Cap Works

Inglewood's base allowable increase is 3% or the change in the Los Angeles-area CPI (measured September to September), whichever is greater — the opposite formula from most rent-controlled cities, which typically cap increases at the lower of the two figures. On top of the base increase, if a covered unit's rent falls below 80% of HUD's Fair Market Rent for a comparable unit, the Program Administrator may approve an additional catch-up increase: up to 5% more for buildings with 5 or more units, or up to 2% more for buildings with 4 or fewer units, with combined increases never exceeding 10% total in a 12-month period. All rent increases must be submitted through the online Housing Protection Registry, and landlords must serve a 30-day written Notice of Change in Terms before any increase takes effect.

Key Rules

  • ✓ A 30-day written Notice of Change in Terms is required before any rent increase, regardless of amount
  • ✓ All rent increases for covered units must be recorded and processed through the online Inglewood Residential Registry System
  • ✓ Section 8 rent increases must be separately submitted to and processed by the Section 8 Division
  • ✓ Landlords may raise the security deposit at the same time as a rent increase, but the deposit increase is capped at $30 per month until it reaches the maximum allowed under state law
  • ✓ Properties not registered as required may face limits on their ability to enforce a rent increase or pursue an eviction

Common Exemptions

  • ✗ Units with a certificate of occupancy issued within the last 15 years (rolling threshold — a unit built January 1, 2008 became covered January 2, 2023)
  • ✗ Single-family homes and condominiums owned by a natural person or family trust, if the landlord provided the required written Costa-Hawkins exemption notice
  • ✗ Owner-occupied duplexes where the owner has lived in one unit since before the tenant moved in and continues to reside there
  • ✗ Owner-occupied residences where the owner rents out no more than one unit
  • ✗ Housing provided by a nonprofit hospital, church, extended care facility, licensed elder care facility, or adult residential facility
  • ✗ Dormitories owned and operated by a school or university
  • ✗ Units restricted by deed or regulatory agreement to low- or moderate-income affordability
  • ✗ Transient and tourist hotel occupancy as defined by Civil Code §1940(b)

🛡 Inglewood Just Cause for Eviction Ordinance

Enacted Effective December 5, 2019; expanded 2021
Applies After 12 months of continuous, lawful occupancy

All residential rental units in Inglewood have just cause protection after 12 months of continuous, lawful occupancy by at least one tenant, except for a specific list of exempt housing types. According to the City of Inglewood, the ordinance's just cause reasons largely mirror those under statewide AB 1482, with the key local difference being Inglewood's more generous relocation assistance requirement.

⚠ At-Fault Just Causes

  • • Nonpayment of rent
  • • Material breach of the lease or rental agreement
  • • Nuisance or illegal activity on the premises
  • • Refusal to allow the landlord lawful access to the unit
  • • Unauthorized subletting in violation of the lease

📋 No-Fault Just Causes

  • • Owner or qualifying family member move-in
  • • Substantial rehabilitation requiring the unit to be vacant
  • • Demolition with required permits
  • • Withdrawal of the property from the rental market
  • • Compliance with a government order to vacate

💰 Required Relocation Assistance

  • $ Base relocation assistance for no-fault evictions: 3 times the monthly rent
  • $ An additional $2,000 is required if minor children reside in the unit
  • $ Additional payments may apply based on length of tenancy and protected tenant status (senior, disabled, or similar categories) — confirm current amounts with the Housing Protection Department
  • $ A termination of tenancy that does not comply with the ordinance's just cause requirements is unlawful and legally void — not merely defensible, but void from the start

⭐ Inglewood-Specific Protections You Won't Find Everywhere

A "Greater Of" Rent Cap — Unusual Among CA Cities

Most California rent control ordinances cap increases at the LOWER of a flat percentage or CPI, to keep increases modest in high-inflation years. Inglewood's base formula does the opposite: 3% or CPI, whichever is GREATER. In practice this can mean higher allowable increases than tenants might expect compared to neighboring cities — always check the current published rate rather than assuming a 3% ceiling.

Fair Market Rent Catch-Up Increases

If your unit's rent sits below 80% of HUD's Fair Market Rent for a comparable unit, your landlord may apply for an additional increase on top of the base cap — up to 5% more in buildings with 5+ units, or 2% more in smaller buildings — subject to Program Administrator approval and a combined 10% annual ceiling. If you receive two rent increase notices in the same year, this catch-up mechanism is the likely explanation; you can verify the calculation through the Housing Protection Registry.

Void, Not Just Defensible, Improper Terminations

Inglewood's ordinance states plainly that a termination of tenancy which does not comply with its just cause requirements is unlawful AND VOID. This is stronger language than simply giving tenants a defense to raise in court — it means the termination has no legal effect from the outset.

2026 Registration Requirement Reinforced

Effective January 1, 2026, Inglewood tightened its registration requirement to explicitly cover all properties with 2 or more units, mixed-use buildings with residential components, and any property owned by a business entity rather than an individual landlord. If your landlord operates through an LLC or corporation, your unit almost certainly must be registered — ask to see proof of registration if you have concerns about a rent increase or eviction notice.

Capped Security Deposit Increases

When an Inglewood landlord raises your rent, they may also raise your security deposit at the same time — but the increase is limited to no more than $30 per month until the deposit reaches the maximum allowed under state law. A sudden, large jump in your deposit alongside a rent increase may not be lawful under this rule.

Four-Part Ordinance Structure

Inglewood's tenant protection framework has four working parts: rent control, eviction control, an anti-harassment provision, and a buyout agreement ordinance. Willful violations — harassment, illegal eviction attempts, utility shutoffs — can expose a landlord to treble (3x) damages under Civil Code §1940.2, on top of any local remedies.

🏛 City of Inglewood Housing Protection Department

Hours: Mon–Fri 8am–5pm

What the Rent Board Can Help You With (Free):

✓ Verification of whether your unit is covered by the local ordinance or falls back to AB 1482
✓ Online Housing Protection Registry access and rent increase processing
✓ Just cause eviction notice compliance guidance
✓ Relocation assistance calculation and verification
✓ Anti-harassment and buyout agreement complaint referrals
✓ Section 8 rent increase processing coordination
Inglewood Housing Protection Registry — verify your property's registration and coverage status
Look Up Your Unit →

🆓 Free Legal Aid in Inglewood

Legal Aid Foundation of LA (LAFLA) Free civil legal aid, eviction defense
Bet Tzedek Free legal services, seniors prioritized
Eviction Defense Network Day-of-court eviction defense, LA County
Tenant Law Group Tenant rights law firm serving Inglewood renters

✊ Tenant Organizations in Inglewood

Uplift Inglewood Coalition Local tenant and community organizing around housing and development pressure
Visit →
LA Tenants Union Countywide tenant organizing with a South Bay/Inglewood presence
Visit →
Tenants Together Statewide tenant rights hotline and education
Visit →

🏛 Eviction Court in Inglewood

LA Superior Court — Inglewood Courthouse

📍 1 Regent St, Inglewood, CA 90301

Inglewood unlawful detainer cases are typically filed at the Inglewood Courthouse. Self-help center available. 10 business days to respond after service (AB 2347, 2025). Note that residences in the 90304 zip code may fall within unincorporated Lennox and be governed by LA County's tenant protections rather than Inglewood's ordinance — verify jurisdiction before assuming which law applies.

⚠ Critical Deadline: You have 10 business days to file a written response after being served with a summons (AB 2347, effective January 2025). Missing this = automatic judgment against you.
Court Website →

Common Questions for Inglewood Renters

It depends on your unit. Under AB 1482 (the Tenant Protection Act), most California landlords can only raise rent once per year, by a maximum of 5% plus local CPI — and never more than 10% total. For the current cycle (August 1, 2025 through July 31, 2026), the effective cap in most Bay Area counties is around 6.3%, and in Los Angeles County around 6.9%. A 20% increase almost certainly violates this cap for covered units. AB 1482 applies to most multi-family buildings older than 15 years, but does NOT cover single-family homes or condos where the owner has given proper written notice, or buildings built in the last 15 years. Check your unit at tenantprotections.org. If you are covered, send a written dispute to your landlord immediately — paying the increase without objecting can be treated as acceptance. Many cities (LA, SF, Oakland, Santa Monica) have even stricter local rent caps.
No — a 3-day notice is NOT a court order and you do not have to leave. It is the first step in a legal process. If you pay the full amount owed within the 3-day period, the eviction stops entirely. If you do not pay, your landlord must then file an Unlawful Detainer (UD) lawsuit in court. After you are served with the court summons, you now have 10 business days to file a written response (AB 2347 extended this from 5 days starting January 1, 2025). Only a judge can order you to leave — not your landlord. Do not ignore the summons or you will get a default judgment automatically.
Under California Civil Code §1950.5, landlords can only deduct for cleaning that brings the unit back to the condition it was in when you moved in — not to make it cleaner. They cannot charge for professional cleaning if you left it reasonably clean. Under AB 2801 (effective 2025), landlords must now take photos before and after any cleaning or repairs, and must provide itemized receipts for work over $125. If they failed to follow these requirements, they forfeit their right to deductions entirely. Send a written demand letter disputing the specific deductions. If unresolved, file in small claims court — you can recover the deposit plus up to 2x the amount as a bad faith penalty, plus court costs.
No. California Civil Code §1954 requires landlords to give at least 24 hours written notice before entering for non-emergency purposes, and entry must be during normal business hours (8am–6pm, or agreed hours). Verbal notice is not sufficient — it must be in writing (a text message counts). The only exception is a genuine emergency (fire, flood, gas leak). Repeated unauthorized entries constitute landlord harassment under Civil Code §1940.2. Send your landlord a written letter citing §1954 and demanding they stop. If it continues, document every incident with dates and times, and consult a tenant attorney — you may be entitled to damages.
You have options, but stopping rent cold is risky without legal guidance. Visible mold that poses a health risk is a substandard condition under California Health & Safety Code §17920.3 and your landlord must remediate it. Your safest options are: (1) File a code enforcement complaint with your city or county — this triggers a formal inspection and puts your landlord on legal notice; (2) Repair and deduct — hire a licensed contractor and deduct costs from rent (up to one month's rent, twice per year); (3) Rent withholding into a separate trust account for severe conditions — but consult an attorney first; (4) Sue for damages including rent reduction during the uninhabitable period. Always document with dated photos and send repair requests by certified mail.
Only under very specific conditions. Under AB 1482, "substantial remodel" is a valid no-fault just cause, BUT the landlord must: (1) give you 60 days written notice (if you have lived there 1+ year); (2) pay you relocation assistance equal to one month's rent; (3) the renovation must require permits and be so substantial that you cannot safely occupy the unit during work. Cosmetic upgrades do not qualify. After the work is complete, you typically have the right to return at your original rent. "Ellis Act" evictions (taking the building off the rental market entirely) have even stricter rules. If your landlord claims renovation but the work is minor, this may be a pretextual eviction — contact a tenant attorney immediately.
Lack of heat is a serious habitability violation — California law requires landlords to maintain heating that can reach at least 70°F in living areas. Before withholding rent, take these steps in order: (1) Send a written repair request by text or email AND certified mail; (2) Give your landlord a "reasonable time" to fix it — for heating in cold weather, 24-72 hours is reasonable; (3) File a code enforcement complaint if they don't respond; (4) Use the repair-and-deduct remedy — buy space heaters or hire a contractor, deduct from rent (up to one month's rent). Outright rent withholding should be done carefully, with money held in a separate account, and ideally with an attorney's guidance. Never withhold silently — always notify your landlord in writing.
No. Landlords cannot unilaterally add new fees during an existing lease period without your written consent. Any fee not specified in your signed lease agreement is unenforceable. Common illegal fees include: convenience fees for online payment, administrative fees, move-in/move-out fees beyond the security deposit limit, and excessive late fees (California generally limits late fees to 5-6% of rent). Respond in writing stating that you do not accept the new fee and that it is not part of your lease agreement. If your landlord threatens eviction over the fee, do not pay it without legal advice — an eviction based on a disputed illegal fee is itself potentially illegal.
If you have lived in the unit for less than one year, your landlord must give 30 days written notice. If you have lived there for one year or more, they must give 60 days written notice. However — if your unit is covered by AB 1482 (most multi-family buildings over 15 years old), your landlord also needs a valid "just cause" to end your tenancy after 12 months of residency. You cannot be evicted without cause just because you are month-to-month in a covered unit. Many cities (LA, SF, Oakland, Berkeley, Santa Monica) have even stronger protections. Check your local ordinance.
No — it has been illegal in California since 2020. SB 329 expanded the state's Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) to prohibit landlords from refusing to rent based on "source of income," which explicitly includes Section 8 / Housing Choice Vouchers, VASH vouchers, and other government rental assistance. Advertising "No Section 8" is also illegal. If a landlord refuses your voucher, you can: (1) File a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) at calcivilrights.ca.gov — free, within 2 years; (2) File a complaint with HUD; (3) Sue civilly for damages, injunctive relief, and attorney fees. You can also file with your local fair housing agency.
Owner move-in (OMI) evictions are a valid no-fault just cause under AB 1482, but they come with strict requirements. The landlord or a qualifying family member must actually intend to live there as their primary residence, must move in within 90 days of your departure, and must live there for at least 12 consecutive months. You must receive 60 days written notice (if 1+ year tenancy) and relocation assistance of one month's rent. If the landlord does NOT move in, or moves out within 12 months, you may have a right to return at your original rent AND damages. OMI fraud — evicting a tenant pretextually — is illegal and increasingly prosecuted, especially in cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles.
As of January 1, 2025 (AB 2347), you now have 10 business days from the date you were served the Unlawful Detainer summons to file a written response with the court — extended from the previous 5-day deadline. This is one of the most critical deadlines in California tenant law. Missing it means automatic judgment against you and the sheriff can remove you without a trial. You do not need a lawyer to file a response, but getting one dramatically improves your outcome. File your response (Form UD-105) at the courthouse that issued the summons. Many courthouses have self-help centers, and many counties have free legal aid for eviction defense.
This is illegal landlord harassment and potentially extortion. Under California Civil Code §1940.35, it is unlawful for a landlord to threaten to report a tenant's immigration status to coerce them into vacating, paying money, or waiving any legal rights. Violators face actual damages, punitive damages, a civil penalty of up to $2,000 per violation, and attorney fees. Your immigration status does NOT affect your California tenant rights — you have full protections regardless of documentation status. Document the threat (text, email, or write down what was said with the date). Then contact a tenant attorney or legal aid organization immediately. This is a strong case.
California has a strong "duty to mitigate" rule — your landlord is legally required to make reasonable efforts to re-rent the unit after you leave. If they find a new tenant immediately, you owe nothing for the remaining term. You only owe rent for the period the unit is actually vacant while the landlord is actively trying to re-rent it. You do NOT automatically owe 4 months of rent. To protect yourself: give written notice as early as possible, offer to cooperate with showings, keep records of your departure date and the unit's condition, and follow up to confirm re-rental. Breaking a lease for specific reasons (domestic violence, uninhabitable conditions, active military duty) carries additional legal protections under California law.
Your landlord is in violation of California law. Under Civil Code §1950.5, landlords must return your security deposit — along with a written itemized statement of any deductions and copies of receipts — within 21 calendar days of you vacating. Missing this deadline means they forfeit their right to make ANY deductions and owe you the full deposit back. Under AB 2801 (2025), they must also provide photos of any claimed damage. Send a written demand letter immediately via certified mail stating the deadline has passed, demanding full return, and citing Civil Code §1950.5. If they still do not respond, file in small claims court — the limit is $12,500 and you can claim the full deposit plus up to 2x the withheld amount as a bad faith penalty.
No. Beginning January 1, 2026, California law requires landlords to include all mandatory fees in the advertised rent price upfront. Any optional services or add-on charges must be clearly disclosed before you sign — no surprise "junk fees" after the fact. This applies to fees for trash, parking, amenities, administrative costs, or any other recurring charge. If your landlord is adding fees that were not disclosed at lease signing, those fees are not enforceable. Send a written objection immediately citing the 2026 fee disclosure requirement. If your landlord threatens eviction over an undisclosed fee, contact a tenant attorney — an eviction based on an illegal fee is itself likely unlawful.
Yes — as of 2026, California law now requires landlords to provide a working stove and refrigerator in most rental homes as part of the implied warranty of habitability. This is a new standard that went into effect in 2026, making appliance provision a legal baseline rather than a lease negotiation point. If your landlord fails to provide or maintain a working stove or refrigerator, you can: (1) send a written repair/replacement request; (2) file a code enforcement complaint with your city or county; (3) use the repair-and-deduct remedy (up to one month's rent) if they fail to act within a reasonable time. Note that some shared or exempt housing types may be excluded — contact your local legal aid organization for guidance on your specific situation.
No. Under AB 1414, which took effect in 2025, California landlords are prohibited from requiring tenants to use a particular internet service provider. If your landlord is bundling a mandatory internet subscription into your rent or lease, you have the right to opt out. If they violate this provision, you can deduct the cost of your own internet subscription directly from your rent payment. This law was passed specifically in response to bulk billing arrangements where landlords received kickbacks from ISPs while forcing tenants into overpriced plans with no choice. Send your landlord written notice citing AB 1414 and your intent to deduct if they continue charging for a mandatory ISP subscription.