Rent in the Time of Rona: A Rentsplainer for Angelenos (Pre-2024, That Is)
Ah, Los Angeles. The land of sunshine, surf, and...skyrocketing rent? Let's face it, finding an affordable place to live in the City of Angels can feel like wrestling a koala bear – cute, but ultimately leaves you sweaty and defeated. But fear not, renters of the past (because hey, this info might be useful for future negotiations!), for we're here to unravel the mysteries of rent increases during the whole COVID-19 kerfuffle.
So, Could Your Landlord Hike the Rent During COVID? (In 2022, That Is)
Well, buckle up, because it depends. Buckle up for a thrilling ride on the legal rollercoaster, that is. Here's the gist:
- Rent-Controlled Rollercoaster (RSO): If your crib falls under the magical umbrella of the Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO), rent increases were basically outlawed during 2022. Yeah, that's right, your landlord's pleas of "avocado toast inflation" fell on deaf ears.
- Free-Market Frenzy: Now, if your apartment wasn't under the RSO's loving protection, things were a bit more, ahem, free-market-y. Landlords technically could raise rent, but with the eviction moratorium in place, it became a bit of a strategic game of Jenga. Evict someone during a pandemic? Not a good look, bruh.
But Wait, There's More! (Because Lawyers Love Fun)
The plot thickens like a bad rom-com sequel. There were exceptions to the eviction moratorium, and some rent increases might have been allowed with proper notice. Moral of the story? If you're ever unsure about your rights, consult a tenant lawyer or a trusted rent-stabilization guru (yes, those exist).
Fast Forward to 2024: A Rent Revolution?
As of today (cue dramatic music), things have changed. The eviction moratorium is a thing of the past, and some rent increases are back on the table for RSO units. But hey, at least it's not the wild west out there anymore!
Remember, knowledge is power! Stay informed about your rights, and if your landlord tries to pull a fast one, politely remind them that Google is your friend.
Disclaimer: This ain't legal advice, folks. It's just to get you started on your rent-research journey. But hey, at least you'll sound fancy dropping terms like "RSO" and "eviction moratorium" at your next brunch. Now go forth and negotiate like a rent-savvy rockstar!
