Finding help with a rental problem shouldn't require searching through dozens of government websites. Whether you're dealing with a rent increase, needed repairs, an eviction notice, or difficulty paying rent, the resources below can help you find the right agency or organization.
Start with the subject that best describes your situation. Each section includes links to official government agencies, housing assistance programs, or trusted nonprofit organizations serving Los Angeles renters.
Important: The City of Los Angeles, unincorporated Los Angeles County, and neighboring cities may have different tenant protection laws and enforcement agencies. Make sure you're contacting the agency responsible for your rental address.
Find What You Need
| Tenant Resource Directory | |
|---|---|
| Rent Control & Tenant Rights | Repairs & Housing Complaints |
| Evictions & Legal Assistance | Discrimination & Fair Housing |
| Housing & Emergency Assistance | Free Guides & Printables |
Rent Control & Tenant Rights
These resources explain rent stabilization, allowable rent increases, eviction protections, and California tenant laws.
| Resource | What You'll Find |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD) | City of Los Angeles rent stabilization, just-cause eviction protections, relocation assistance, and tenant complaints. Hotline: (866) 557-7368. |
| LA Rent Stabilization Ordinance | Information about which properties may be covered by Los Angeles rent control, allowable increases, and related protections. |
| ZIMAS Property Lookup | Search a Los Angeles property address for zoning and housing information, including possible RSO coverage. Confirm unit-specific questions with LAHD. |
| LA County Rent Stabilization Program | Rent stabilization and tenant protections for qualifying properties in unincorporated Los Angeles County. |
| California Attorney General — Tenant Rights | Statewide information about rent increases, evictions, security deposits, retaliation, and other tenant protections. |
Repairs & Housing Complaints
For unsafe conditions, neglected repairs, pest infestations, and suspected housing code violations, start with the agency responsible for your property.
| Resource | What You'll Find |
|---|---|
| LAHD — File a Housing Complaint | Report suspected violations of Los Angeles rent stabilization or just-cause rules, as well as unsafe conditions in multifamily rental properties within the city. |
| Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety | Building code enforcement information, including certain structural and property violations within the City of Los Angeles. |
| LA County Rental Housing Habitability Program | Rental housing inspections and habitability complaints involving qualifying properties in unincorporated Los Angeles County. |
| LA County Public Health — Housing Inspections | Information about unhealthy housing conditions, vermin, sanitation problems, and rental inspections in areas served by County Public Health. |
Evictions & Legal Assistance
Eviction notices and court papers can involve strict deadlines. If your landlord has served you with an eviction lawsuit, seek help promptly rather than waiting for the dispute to resolve itself.
| Resource | What You'll Find |
|---|---|
| Stay Housed LA | Tenant-rights information, workshops, and free legal assistance for eligible Los Angeles County renters facing eviction. Hotline: (888) 694-0040. |
| California Courts — Eviction Help | Official explanations of eviction notices, unlawful detainer lawsuits, court responses, and required forms. |
| ProTenant.org Eviction Guide | Our step-by-step explanation of the California eviction process, from the first notice through court proceedings and enforcement. |
| ProTenant.org Legal Help Directory | Organizations and resources for renters who need assistance with housing-related legal problems. |
Discrimination & Fair Housing
Federal and California laws prohibit certain forms of housing discrimination. Tenants may also have rights involving disability accommodations and fair treatment during rental applications or existing tenancies.
| Resource | What You'll Find |
|---|---|
| California Civil Rights Department | Information about housing discrimination, protected characteristics, reasonable accommodations, and filing civil rights complaints. |
| Housing Rights Center | Free housing counseling, discrimination assistance, and fair housing education. Hotline: (800) 477-5977. |
| California Tenants Guide | The California Department of Real Estate's comprehensive guide to landlords' and tenants' rights, including privacy, landlord entry, repairs, and deposits. |
Housing & Emergency Assistance
If you're at risk of losing your housing, struggling to pay rent, or experiencing homelessness, these organizations can help identify available programs and services. Eligibility and funding availability vary.
| Resource | What You'll Find |
|---|---|
| 211 LA | 24-hour information and referrals for emergency shelter, housing assistance, food, utility assistance, and community services. Call 2-1-1. |
| LA County Homelessness Prevention Resources | Programs that may help eligible residents remain housed, including rental assistance, legal services, utility support, and housing navigation. |
| Coordinated Entry System | Information about accessing homelessness services, emergency shelter, outreach, and housing support in Los Angeles County. |
| Stay Housed LA — Rental Assistance | Guidance for renters who owe rent, including referrals to programs that may offer financial assistance depending on eligibility and available funding. |
Free Tenant Guides & Printables
ProTenant.org also provides free reference materials to help renters understand common housing problems, organize information, and communicate with landlords.
| Resource | What You'll Find |
|---|---|
| Tenant Rights Guide | A plain-English overview of important Los Angeles and California tenant protections. |
| Tenant Printables | Free letters, forms, checklists, and recordkeeping tools for common rental issues. |
| Tenant Rights Infographics | Visual explanations of rent control, security deposits, landlord entry, and other tenant protections. |
| Tenant Rights Flowcharts | Step-by-step visual guides to help tenants understand common housing problems and possible next steps. |
| Ask ProTenant.org a Question | Submit a general housing question that may help shape future coverage and educational resources. |
Not Sure Where to Start?
If your problem involves rent control, an eviction notice, or suspected tenant harassment within the City of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Housing Department is often a useful starting point.
If you live in unincorporated Los Angeles County, start with the County's Department of Consumer and Business Affairs for rent stabilization questions. For housing conditions, the County Department of Public Health may be the appropriate agency.
Other cities, including Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and West Hollywood, have their own rules and local services. Check your city's housing department before assuming Los Angeles city ordinances apply to your home.
Facing an urgent eviction deadline? Visit our Legal Help page or contact Stay Housed LA. For an immediate safety emergency, call 911.
Last reviewed: November 2026. This directory is provided for general informational purposes. ProTenant.org is not affiliated with the agencies listed and does not guarantee eligibility, funding availability, or services. Links and programs may change. See our Disclaimer.
