L.A. Mun. Code ch. XV art. 1; ch. XVI art. 5 § 151.04
RESTRICTION ON RENTS (Los Angeles Rent Stabilization Ordinance and Just Cause for Eviction Ordinance)
Operative Text
(Amended by Ord. No. 174,501, Eff. 4/11/02.) A. It shall be unlawful for any landlord to demand, accept or retain more than the maximum adjusted rent permitted pursuant to this chapter or regulation or orders adopted pursuant to this chapter. B. (Repealed by Ord. No. 184,822, Eff. 4/30/17.) C. It shall be unlawful for any landlord or landlord’s agent to demand or require an electronic funds transfer or online internet payment as the exclusive method of payment of rent, security deposits, surcharges or other housing service fees. (Added by Ord. No. 182,359, Eff. 1/26/13.)
Under L.A. Mun. Code § 151.04, landlords covered by the city's rent stabilization rules are prohibited from charging, accepting, or keeping any rent above the legally established maximum adjusted amount. The same provision also bars landlords and their agents from requiring electronic funds transfer or online payment as the only accepted method for rent, security deposits, surcharges, or other housing service fees.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators subject to L.A. Mun. Code § 151.04 generally ensure that all rent charged and collected stays at or below the current maximum adjusted rent set under the chapter. Compliant operators also maintain at least one non-electronic payment option—such as check or money order—so that digital payment is never the sole method available for rent, deposits, surcharges, or housing service fees.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 151.04, tenants have a right not to be charged above the lawful maximum adjusted rent, and also have a right to pay through a method other than electronic transfer or online payment. Tenants who believe a landlord is violating either restriction may file a complaint with the Los Angeles Housing Department or raise the violation through available local rent board processes. Tenant-rights organizations in Los Angeles can help explain what options exist under this provision.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 6, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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