Prospective Tenants
1. New Occupancies – Tenant Landlord Rights and Responsibilities Handbook
On May 18, 2004, the City of Beverly Hills City Council adopted revisions to the Beverly Hills Municipal Code [B.H.M.C. 4-6-5] relating to rent stabilization regulations which became effective December 18, 2004. The Code requires that at least twenty four (24) hours prior to the execution of a lease or rental agreement by a tenant whose base monthly rent will be more than $600, the landlord shall provide written notice to the prospective tenant advising of certain rights of the tenant and landlord. An administrative penalty in the amount of $500 may be imposed to the landlord for failing to present to the city a signed copy when requested. [B.H.M.C. 4-6-5(C)]
The document of compliance for the signatures of the landlord and prospective tenant is included. The handbook is available in English, Spanish, Farsi, and Korean, it can also be found online at www.beverlyhills.org/BHrent. Copies may also be obtained in the Community Development Department, Building & Safety Division, in City Hall at 455 North Rexford Drive, or through a telephone request at 310-285-1031.
For any new tenancy, landlords are required to provide written notice to the prospective tenant advising the tenant of certain rights and responsibilities of the tenant and landlord. [B.H.M.C. 4-6-5(C)]. This written notice must be given to the new tenant at least twenty four (24) hours prior to the execution of a lease or rental agreement.
A brochure containing the information required for the written notice (“New Occupancies, Tenant Landlord Rights and Responsibilities Handbook”) is available from the City. It may be accessed online, or obtained from the Rent Stabilization Office in City Hall at 455 North Rexford Drive, or through a telephone request at 310-285-1031). Once the written notice is given, the tenant must acknowledge receipt of this information in writing, and the landlord must retain this acknowledgement through the duration of the tenancy.
Rent levels for New Tenancies
The allowable rent level after a vacancy depends on the reason for the vacancy. After a voluntary vacancy occurs for a given unit, rent levels for that unit are subject to whatever rent is agreed to by the incoming tenant and landlord (sometimes referred to as “market rent”). For evictions, the following applies.
- Just-Cause Eviction. If a tenant is evicted for specific causes set forth in Chapter 6 (a “just cause eviction”) rent levels for the new tenant will be “market rents.” The just-causes set forth in the ordinance are:
No-Cause Eviction and Other-Cause Evictions. If a tenancy is terminated for other reasons than those set forth above, or for no stated reason, the rent for a subsequent tenant cannot exceed the rent of the evicted tenant (plus any permitted annual adjustment including certain utility charges or penalties related to water and refuse collection, should they apply).
New Tenants
- Register New Tenancy - City registration of New Tenants is required within 30 days of occupancy by the landlord.
Tenant Landlord Forum - Resolution Services
The Human Relations Commission presents the Tenant Landlord Forum. The Commission will assess your situation and advise on a plan for resolution. This Forum is available to both Chapter 5 and Chapter 6 tenants.
Request assistance by filling out and submitting the Tenant Landlord Dispute Form or by calling 310-285-1006 to discuss with staff.
The Commission welcomes community members to utilize the Forum at the Commission meeting, which meets every third Thursday of the month at 9:00am. Community members will have 10 minutes to present and discuss their situation. The Commission can consult on next steps to address the issue. The Commission is not able to intervene directly between the involved parties.
There are two rent control ordinances, both in Title 4 of the Beverly Hills Municipal Code: Chapter 5 Code and Chapter 6 Code. Some parts of these two codes have been modified by Ordinance No. 17-O-2729. You may read and download the new ordinance at the link at the top of this page.
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