ADUs and Rent Control in Los Angeles – What Owners Need to Know

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are booming in Los Angeles—but adding one to your property can trigger rent control rules you didn’t expect. Here’s how the RSO and JCO apply to ADUs.

How ADUs Are Classified

An ADU is a secondary housing unit, like a backyard cottage or garage conversion. Rent control rules depend on the main property’s age and structure:

• Detached ADUs: Usually exempt from RSO rent caps, even if the main house is pre-1978. However, the main house may become RSO-covered if rented.

• Attached ADUs: If built onto a pre-1978 home, the main house and ADU may both fall under RSO protections, though Costa-Hawkins may exempt the ADU from rent caps.

• Converted ADUs: If created from part of a pre-1978 home (like a garage), both units are fully RSO-covered.

Impact on Landlords

• Adding an ADU can change the legal status of your property under rent control rules.

• Both the main house and ADU may require registration with LAHD if RSO applies.

• JCO eviction protections still apply to most ADUs not under RSO.

A homeowner adds a detached ADU to a pre-1978 single-family home and rents both. The main house is now under RSO rent caps, but the ADU remains exempt from rent caps—both units must follow just cause eviction rules.

Thinking of adding or renting out an ADU in Los Angeles? The Borges Real Estate Team can help you understand the rent control implications before you make your move. Find your property’s current value here.