The Los Angeles City Council has finalized a permanent ban on using “substantial remodel” as a legal reason to evict tenants in non-rent-controlled units covered by the Tenant Protection Act. The decision follows an earlier temporary moratorium that paused such evictions while the city debated a long-term solution.
Final Vote Approved
On July 1, 2025, council members gave final approval to the ban, ending months of deliberation. This move affects non-RSO (non-Rent Stabilization Ordinance) units governed by California’s Tenant Protection Act, known as AB 1482.
Previous Temporary Freeze
Before adopting the permanent policy, the council had already put in place a temporary halt on “substantial remodel” evictions. That unanimous decision bought time for city leaders to study options for protecting tenants from losing housing due to major renovation claims.
Three Options Reviewed
The Los Angeles Housing Department presented three policy paths to the council. After review, council members chose the strictest route, opting to fully eliminate the substantial remodel justification for removing tenants.
Landlords Voice Concern
The California Apartment Association (CAA) pushed back strongly on the council’s direction. In a letter, the CAA asked officials to keep “a clear and workable process for substantial rehabilitation in AB 1482 properties” and to “launch a broader review and reform of the Primary Renovation Program under the Rent Stabilization Ordinance.”
CAA Defends Remodels
Fred Sutton, CAA’s senior vice president of local public affairs, stressed that major remodels are not cosmetic. “The Tenant Protection Act established a streamlined process for renovating and remodeling aging buildings, which guarantees monetary assistance to tenants if specific rehabilitation conditions are met. Substantial remodels are not minor upgrades,” Sutton said.
Challenges for Renovations
The Housing Department’s own report pointed out two key issues. It noted that the Rent Stabilization Ordinance’s renovation process is rarely used, despite covering the city’s oldest buildings that often need the most work. Additionally, requests for rent adjustments and cost pass-throughs are facing delays of more than a year, which discourages investment and needed repairs.
Next Steps Ahead
With the ban now permanent, property owners will need to find other legal reasons if they want to reclaim a unit. Tenant advocates praise the move as a major protection against forced displacement, while landlords argue it could slow much-needed maintenance and upgrades.