Los Angeles Rent Control Relocation Fees: Complete 2025-2026 Guide for Landlords and Tenants
By Justin Borges, California Real Estate Broker | Updated: December 2025 | Reading Time: 9 minutes
For 2025-2026, Los Angeles rent control relocation fees range from $10,650 to $26,550 per household. Under the RSO, landlords must pay eligible tenants $10,650 (under 3 years) or $13,950 (3+ years). Qualified tenants, including seniors age 62+, disabled tenants, and families with minor children, receive $22,450 to $26,550 depending on tenancy length. These mandatory payments apply to all no-fault evictions under the LA Rent Stabilization Ordinance.
Understanding relocation fees under Los Angeles rent control is crucial for both landlords and tenants navigating no-fault evictions. The Los Angeles Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) mandates these payments when tenants must vacate through no fault of their own. This makes relocation fees one of the most financially significant aspects of LA rental property management.
Important: These RSO relocation fees apply specifically to City of Los Angeles rent-controlled properties. For properties outside LA city limits or exempt from RSO, different rules under California's AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act) may apply instead.
From 13 Years in LA Real Estate:
"In my experience working with LA property owners, relocation fees are one of the most misunderstood and underbudgeted aspects of owning rent-controlled buildings. I've seen landlords caught off guard by $26,550 payments they didn't plan for. Whether you're considering an owner move-in eviction or selling an RSO property, knowing these numbers upfront changes everything about your financial planning."
- Justin Borges, The Borges Real Estate Team
2025-2026 Los Angeles Relocation Fee Schedule
The Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD) adjusts relocation fee amounts annually based on fair market rent and cost of living changes. The current amounts are effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. For questions, call LAHD at (866) 557-7368.
| Tenant Category | Under 3 Years | 3+ Years | Low Income* | Mom & Pop** |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible Tenants Standard households without qualifying circumstances |
$10,650 | $13,950 | $13,950 | $10,200 |
| Qualified Tenants Seniors 62+, disabled, or families with minor children |
$22,450 | $26,550 | $26,550 | $20,600 |
| Single-Family Dwelling (JCO) Natural person owner with 4 or fewer units + 1 SFD |
One month's rent | |||
*Low Income = Household income at or below 80% of Area Median Income. **Mom & Pop = Landlords owning 4 or fewer units + 1 SFD in LA; only for owner/family occupancy evictions; limited to once every 3 years.
When Are Relocation Fees Required?
No-Fault Evictions That Trigger Relocation Fees
Relocation assistance applies specifically to no-fault evictions where tenants have not violated lease terms:
- Owner Move-In (OMI) Evictions: Landlord or eligible family members (spouse, children, parents, grandchildren, grandparents) plan to occupy the unit as primary residence for at least 36 consecutive months
- Ellis Act Evictions: Property owner permanently withdraws rental building from the rental market (minimum 5-year commitment)
- Demolition Projects: Complete teardown of existing structures for new construction
- Major Renovations (JCO only): Substantial rehabilitation requiring vacant possession for 30+ days
- Government-Ordered Vacancies: City or county agencies require tenant relocation due to health, safety, or building code violations
- Condominium Conversion: Converting rental units to for-sale condominiums
Landlords considering alternatives to formal eviction may also explore tenant buyout agreements, which can sometimes be more cost-effective and less contentious than mandatory relocation assistance.
When Relocation Fees Are NOT Required
Landlords are not required to pay relocation fees for fault-based evictions, including non-payment of rent, lease violations, nuisance behavior, illegal activities on the premises, or refusal to sign a substantially similar lease renewal.
How to Pay LA Relocation Fees Correctly
Following the proper payment process protects landlords from legal challenges and ensures compliance with RSO requirements:
Step 1: File Declaration of Intent to Evict
Submit the Landlord Declaration of Intent to Evict form to LAHD before serving any eviction notice. This is required for all no-fault evictions. Forms available at housing.lacity.gov.
Step 2: Determine Tenant Category and Fee Amount
Identify whether tenants are Eligible (standard) or Qualified (62+, disabled, minor children). Check tenancy length. Calculate exact amount using LAHD's current fee schedule above.
Step 3: Serve Written Notice to Tenant
Serve proper written notice of termination. The 15-day payment clock starts from the date of service.
Step 4: Pay Within 15 Days
Make full relocation payment available within 15 days. Payment options: Direct payment (cashier's check, money order) OR deposit into approved escrow account.
Step 5: Document Everything
Keep copies of all payments, receipts, and correspondence. If tenant refuses payment, document the offer and consider escrow deposit to prove compliance.
Payment Timeline and Requirements
California Civil Code and the LA RSO establish strict deadlines for relocation fee payments:
- 15-Day Deadline: Payment must be made available within 15 days of serving the eviction notice
- Full Payment Option: Landlords pay the entire amount directly to tenant(s)
- Escrow Option: Funds deposited in approved escrow account within 15 days; disbursed within 3 working days of tenant request for relocation expenses
- Multiple Tenants: If two or more tenants occupy a unit, each receives an equal prorated share
- LAHD Administrative Fees: Landlords also pay $561-$902 service fee plus $77 administrative fee per unit
Consequences of Non-Compliance
- Invalid Eviction: Failure to provide relocation assistance makes the eviction a violation of RSO/JCO; tenant can raise non-payment as affirmative defense in court
- Tenant Lawsuits: Tenants may sue for wrongful eviction, seeking damages including attorney's fees and punitive damages
- LAHD Penalties: Administrative penalties and fines for RSO violations
Beyond relocation fee violations, landlords must also maintain proper LAHD rental registration to avoid additional penalties and ensure eviction notices are legally valid.
Ellis Act Relocation Specifics
Ellis Act evictions (permanently removing property from rental market) carry additional requirements beyond standard relocation fees:
- Enhanced Amounts: Ellis Act relocation fees typically reach the maximum qualified tenant amount ($26,550)
- Extended Notice: 120 days notice required for tenants over age 62 or disabled (vs. standard 60-day notice); can extend up to 1 year for some protected tenants
- Right of First Refusal: Displaced tenants have the right to return if property re-enters rental market within 10 years
- 5-Year Withdrawal: Property must remain off rental market for minimum 5 years
- SB 8 Implications: If subject to SB 8, additional right of first refusal to newly constructed units may apply
For complete Ellis Act procedures, timelines, and strategic considerations, see our comprehensive guide: Ellis Act Evictions in Los Angeles: What Landlords Need to Know.
Frequently Asked Questions About LA Relocation Fees
How much is the LA relocation fee for 2025?
For 2025-2026 (effective July 1, 2025), Los Angeles relocation fees range from $10,650 to $26,550. Eligible tenants under 3 years receive $10,650, tenants with 3+ years receive $13,950, and qualified tenants (seniors 62+, disabled, families with minor children) receive $22,450 to $26,550 depending on tenancy length.
Who pays relocation fees in Los Angeles?
Landlords are responsible for paying relocation fees directly to tenants during no-fault evictions. Payment must be made within 15 days of serving the eviction notice. LAHD also charges administrative fees to landlords ($561-$902 service fee plus $77 administrative fee per unit).
Do relocation fees apply to month-to-month tenants?
Yes, tenancy type does not affect relocation fee requirements. Month-to-month tenants in RSO properties receive the same protections and relocation assistance as lease-holders.
Can landlords deduct unpaid rent from relocation fees?
Yes, under LAMC 151.09.G.5, landlords may offset accumulated unpaid rent against relocation assistance, unless the eviction is due to a governmental agency order to vacate for an unpermitted dwelling.
What happens if a tenant refuses relocation payment?
Landlords must still offer proper payment. Tenant refusal does not eliminate the legal requirement. Landlords can deposit funds in an escrow account to document compliance with the 15-day payment deadline.
How long do landlords have to pay relocation fees?
Landlords must make payment available within 15 days of serving the eviction notice. If using escrow, funds must be deposited within 15 days and disbursed to tenants within 3 working days of receiving a request.
What are Mom and Pop landlord relocation fees in LA?
Mom and Pop landlords (owning 4 or fewer units plus one single-family home in LA) pay reduced relocation fees: $10,200 for eligible tenants and $20,600 for qualified tenants. This provision can only be used once every 3 years and only applies to owner/family occupancy evictions, not Ellis Act or demolition.
Related LA Rent Control Resources
Understanding RSO Coverage
- Is My Property Rent-Controlled in Los Angeles? | RSO Guide 2025
- Los Angeles Rent Control Rules for Single-Family Homes
- RSO vs JCO: Key Differences for Los Angeles Landlords
- LA Rent Control vs AB 1482: Which Law Applies to Your Property?
Landlord Decisions and Evictions
- Ellis Act Evictions in Los Angeles: Complete Landlord Guide
- Can I Move Into My Rental Property in Los Angeles? (Owner Move-In)
- LA Tenant Buyouts Explained: Alternatives to Eviction
- How to Sell a Tenant-Occupied Property in Los Angeles
Rent Increases and Compliance
- Los Angeles Rent Increase Limits 2025: What Landlords Can Charge
- LAHD Rental Registration: Penalties for Non-Compliance
Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Los Angeles rent control relocation fees and should not be considered legal advice. LAHD adjusts fee amounts annually. Verify current requirements at housing.lacity.gov or call (866) 557-7368. Consult with a qualified California landlord-tenant attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
About the Author
Justin Borges is the founder of The Borges Real Estate Team, a California licensed real estate broker serving the greater Los Angeles area since 2012. With $200+ million in career sales and over 13 years of hands-on experience navigating LA's complex real estate landscape, Justin specializes in helping property owners and investors make informed decisions about rent-controlled properties.
Track Record:
- 106% average list-to-sale price ratio
- 60% repeat and referral business
- Specialized expertise in RSO properties, probate sales, and 1031 exchanges
- Based in Pasadena, serving all of Los Angeles County
California DRE License #01948106
Need Help with an RSO Property Decision?
Whether you're considering selling a rent-controlled building, planning an owner move-in, or evaluating the true cost of tenant relocation, these decisions have significant financial implications. Understanding relocation fees is just one piece of the puzzle.
If you're weighing your options, our guide on selling tenant-occupied property in Los Angeles covers strategies for maximizing value while navigating tenant rights.
Schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation to discuss your specific situation. We'll help you understand your options, calculate realistic costs, and develop a strategy that makes sense for your goals.
