LA City Imposes New Registration Requirements (and Fees) for Landlords
The LA City Council passed an amendment to the Just Cause for Eviction Ordinance (JCO), which went into effect January 27, 2025. It applies to most landlords who own and lease residential property within the city, if they are not already regulated by the city’s Rent Stabilization Ordinance.
The JCO, and the latest amendment, applies to “Residential real property,” which is broadly defined as “Any dwelling or unit that is intended for human habitation.”
Amended JCO
The amendment requires landlords covered by the JCO to register all rental units no later than February 28th or face delinquency fees:
For each rental unit subject to [the JCO], a landlord shall pay an annual registration fee of $31.05 (the ‘Just Cause Enforcement Fee’). The Just Cause Enforcement Fee shall be due on the first day of January of each year and is deemed late if received after the last day of February.
Failure to timely pay the fee results in a late penalty “in an amount determined by the Department at its sole discretion.”
Demanding or Collecting Rent
Landlords who do not comply with the new registration requirement are prohibited from demanding or collecting rent. Compliance includes:
1. Paying the registration fee; and
2. Serving each tenant with a copy of the registration statement, or posting a copy of the statement “in a conspicuous place” at the property.
Per the LAHD website:
…it is the obligation of the property owner to pay annual fees and update their contact information with the Department. The failure to receive an Annual Bill does not relieve you of the legal obligation to pay annual fees for your property and does not provide a basis for the waiver of any penalties.
Other Considerations
Remember, eviction moratoriums remain in effect in Los Angeles County because of the recent wildfires through March 8, 2025. Landlords with questions regarding evictions in city or county of Los Angeles should contact a real estate attorney for help.
Nicholas Kanter is an unlawful detainer attorney and Chair of our Business Litigation Practice Group.