Bell Gardens, CA
Home MenuRent Stabilization
Rent Stabilization and Tenant Eviction Protections Ordinance No. 925
On August 22, 2022, the City Council conducted the introduction and first reading of Ordinance No. 925, which establishes rent stabilization and tenant eviction protections.
On September 12, 2022, the City Council conducted the second reading of Ordinance No. 925 and approved it, thus prompting the 30-day period to become law. The ordinance will therefore become effective on October 12, 2022.
Among other provisions, the ordinance sets an annual rent increase cap at fifty percent (50%) of the change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), or four percent (4%), whichever is less. Since CPI is less, the current allowable annual increase is 1.5% (Section 5.62.040.A)
Bell Gardens Municipal Code Sections
Chapter 5.62 Rent Stabilization
Chapter 5.63 Tenant Evictions Protections
Download Ordinance No. 925: Ordinance No. 925 - 2022-09-12
Rental Registry
Under the City of Bell Gardens’ Rent Stabilization and Tenant Eviction Protections (RSTEP) Ordinance No. 925., which took effect October 12, 2022, all rental units, including mobile home park spaces, must be registered by September 30th every year.
A landlord may only impose a rent increase upon registering the rental unit and paying the required rental registration fees.
Registration Fees
An annual Rental Unit Registration Fee of $156.00 per unit, is due on September 30th of every year with a 30-day grace period through October 31st. After the 30-day grace period, late fees apply.
Late Fee Schedule
Fee Exemption
The registration fee shall be waived for owner-occupied properties with four or fewer units where the owner occupies one of the units as their principal place of residence. Proof of residence will be required (ID with current address).
Section 8 Units and/or other Subsidized Housing Fees
Registration fee of $78 per unit with mandatory verification such as Housing Authority supporting documents.
Registration & Pass-Through
A landlord may receive 50 percent (50%) of a registration fee from the tenant ($78) to be paid in equal monthly installments of $6.50, identified as a line item separate from the monthly rent obligation. Accrued penalties and late fees may not be passed though to tenants.
If you have any questions regarding the RSTEP Ordinance, registration and/or payment of the registration fees, please contact the Housing Division at (562) 806-7725 or via email at Housing@bellgardens.org. Copies of the RSTEP Ordinance and Resolution are available from the City Clerk’s office or online at www.bellgardens.org.
Standard Annual Rental Registry Form
Affordable Housing Annual Rental Registry Form
Mobile Home Parks Annual Rental Registry Form
Maximum Allowable Annual Rent Increase
Among other provisions, the ordinance sets an annual rent increase cap at fifty percent (50%) of the change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), or four percent (4%), whichever is less. Since CPI is less, the current allowable annual increase is 1.5% (Section 5.62.040.A)
For more information regarding Maximum Allowable Annual Rent Increase, please click here.
If you believe that your rent increase does not apply, you may submit a “Tenant Contest Form”. The form may be downloaded here.
Other Allowable Rent Increases
Below Fair Market Increase Request Form
If the current rent is less than 80% of Fair Market Rents (FMR), owners may increase rent by more than the allowable limit by an amount not to exceed three percent (3%). Landlords must file an application and obtain approval from the Community Development Department prior to imposing an FMR increase. To file for a “Below Fair Market Increase Form", you must also include a completed “Rent Registry”.
Fair Rent Petition for Rent Adjustment
Property owners may petition for a rent increase above the annual limit if they can demonstrate that they are not receiving a fair return on the property based on Department guidelines.
Application for Pass-Through of Capital Improvement Costs
A landlord may pass-through 50% pf Capital Improvement costs to existing tenants in covered rental units. Capital Improvements must be for the primary benefit, use and enjoyment of tenants, cost-factored, and amortized over a useful life of at least five (5) years, and permanently fixed in place or relatively immobile [and appropriate to the use of the rental property Capital Improvements cannot include regular maintenance or repairs from wear and tear or be the result of a Landlord's failure to perform regular maintenance and repairs, or repairs covered by insurance.
Notice of Tenant Rights
Landlords must provide to each tenant, prior to or at the time of agreeing to rent or lease a covered rental unit, a notice of tenant rights.
Schedule your one-on-one appointment with a Housing Specialist by clicking here.
Housing Workshops
After approximately two (2) years of hosting monthly Rent Stabilization and Tenant Eviction Protections Ordinance (RSTEPO) Workshops, the last workshops were held on April 2025. These workshops provided an overview of the RSTEPO.
View Past Workshops
RSTEPO Annual Rent Registry Process
RSTEPO Allowable Rent Increases
Rent Stabilization and Tenant Eviction Protections Ordinance No. 925 FAQs
Frequently asked questions regarding the Rent Stabilization and Tenant Eviction Protections Ordinance No. 925 may be downloaded here.
Las preguntas más frecuentes sobre la Ordenanza de Estabilización de Alquileres y Protección contra el Desalojo de Inquilinos pueden descargarse aquí
For additional information on Rent Stabilization and Tenant Eviction Protections, please contact the Housing Division via phone at (562) 806-7725 or via email at housing@bellgardens.org.
For legal assistance we recommend you to contact the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles at (800) 399 – 4529 or visit their website at www.lafla.org