Samimi CRE Advisors

    Rent Control & Tenant Protections Ordinance

    Culver City rent control: what apartment owners need to know

    Culver City rent control and tenant protections explained for apartment owners: coverage, annual allowable increase, just-cause rules, and the effect on multifamily value and underwriting.

    Quick answer

    Culver City has its own permanent rent control and tenant protection ordinance with a locally set annual allowable increase and just-cause requirements, administered by the city rather than by Los Angeles. Coverage depends on the property's construction date and type. Verify for the specific property.

    What is covered

    • Qualifying multifamily rental units inside Culver City boundaries
    • Just-cause protections for covered tenancies
    • City registration and reporting requirements for covered rental units

    Common exemptions

    • Newer construction outside the ordinance's coverage window
    • Property types exempt under Costa-Hawkins
    • Government-regulated affordable units

    How rent increases work in Culver City

    Culver City sets its own annual allowable increase, which has been adjusted since the permanent ordinance was adopted. Confirm the current published figure and required notice with the city before noticing an increase.

    Ending a tenancy

    A recognized cause is required to terminate a covered tenancy, and no-fault causes carry relocation obligations under the ordinance.

    What it means when you buy or sell

    Culver City sits inside the Westside buyer pool but outside City of LA jurisdiction, which means no Measure ULA transfer tax and a different regulatory regime from the RSO buildings a mile east. Buyers who understand that distinction underwrite Culver City differently — and sellers who do not surface it leave money on the table.

    Verify for the specific property

    This page is a general reference, not legal advice. Rent regulation rules, allowable increase percentages, and exemptions change — and coverage depends on the individual property's construction date, permit history, and tenancy. Always verify for the specific property with the governing agency or qualified counsel before underwriting or noticing an increase.

    Official source: City of Culver City Housing Division

    Culver City rent control FAQ

    Does Measure ULA apply in Culver City?

    No. Measure ULA is a City of Los Angeles transfer tax and does not apply to sales in Culver City, which is a separate incorporated city. Culver City has its own transfer tax structure; confirm current rates for the specific transaction.

    Is Culver City rent control permanent?

    Culver City adopted a permanent rent control and tenant protection ordinance after an initial interim measure, and the allowable increase has been adjusted since. Confirm the current terms with the city for the specific property.

    Not sure how the rules price your building?

    Cameron underwrites regulated Culver City product every week and will tell you what a real buyer pays for it — including the realistic turnover timeline, not a same-day mark-to-market fantasy.

    Get a free valuation

    Cameron Samimi · +1-310-259-7556

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