San Fernando Valley Renter’s Guide
Renting in the Valley? Here is what you need to know.
This is basic info, not legal advice. Rules change and exceptions exist. When in doubt, call.
Last checked September 26, 2026.
Got an eviction notice? Call Stay Housed LA today: 888-694-0040. The help is free.
San Fernando Valley rent caps
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City of Los Angeles
Most of the San Fernando Valley is in the City of LA.
Do you live in an old building, built before October 1978? Rent can go up 3% a year at most.
Is it a newer building? Rent can go up 8.7% a year at most.
Questions about SFV rentals? Call LA Housing: 866-557-7368.
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Burbank
Burbank has no rent cap of its own. Rent can go up 8.7% per year at most, according to state law.
Burbank protects renters in other ways, though. Some renters get moving money if they are evicted for no fault of their own.
Questions? Call Burbank Housing: 818-238-5180.
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Glendale
Glendale has no rent cap of its own. Rent can go up 8.7% per year at most, according to state law.
If rent goes up more than 7% and you move out, your landlord may owe you moving money.
Questions? Call Glendale Rental Rights: 818-548-3926.
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San Fernando
San Fernando has no rent cap of its own. Rent can go up 8.7% per year at most, according to state law.
Questions? Call LA County: 800-593-8222.
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Unincorporated LA County
Some Valley homes are outside any city. Look up your address to check.
Rent can go up 1.919% a year at most, according to LA County law.
Questions? Call LA County: 800-593-8222.
California renters’ rights
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Deposit
Your deposit can be up to 1 month of rent. Small landlords can ask for 2 months. See the law.
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Getting your deposit back
You move out. Your landlord has 21 days to give it back. If they keep any, they must say why. See the guide.
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Rent going up
Your landlord must tell you in writing. For a raise of 10% or less, you get 30 days. For more, you get 90 days. See the rules.
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Being made to move
Lived there a year? Then your landlord usually needs a legal reason to make you move. See the rules.
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Repairs
No heat? No hot water? Leaks? Bugs? Your landlord has to fix it. See the rules.
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Landlord coming in
Your landlord must tell you first, in writing. Usually 24 hours ahead. Emergencies are different. See the rules.
Who to call
Eviction notice
Stay Housed LA: 888-694-0040. Free lawyers if you qualify.
Rent raise too high in the City of LA
Repairs not done in the City of LA
File a complaint online. Or call 866-557-7368.
Landlord harassing you in the City of LA
Report it online. Or call 866-557-7368.
Problem in Burbank
Problem in Glendale
Problem in San Fernando or outside any city
Deposit not returned
The courts have a guide to what you can do.
Common questions
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My building is brand new. Is my rent capped?
Probably not. The state cap skips buildings for their first 15 years. See the state rule.
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I rent a house or a condo. Is my rent capped?
Maybe not. If a person, not a company, owns it, and your lease says you are not covered, there is no cap. If not, the state cap applies. See the state rule.
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I rent a room in the owner’s home. Is my rent capped?
Usually not. Homes where the owner also lives are mostly not covered. See the state rule.
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How do I know if my LA building has the 3% cap?
Type your address into the city map. Open “Housing.” Look at “Rent Stabilization.” Yes means the 3% cap. Open the city map.
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Can my landlord raise rent more than once a year?
Under LA rent control, only once every 12 months. Under the state cap, up to twice in 12 months, but the total cannot pass the cap. See the state rule.
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When do these numbers change?
LA and county caps change every July. The state cap changes every August. This page is checked each summer. See the LA rule.
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My landlord says my home is not covered. Is that true?
Maybe. Check your lease and the state list. Not sure? Call the office for your city. It is free. See who is covered.
This is basic info, not legal advice. Rules change. When in doubt, call.