New rent hike caps go into effect Thursday

Thursday is Aug. 1, meaning a higher cap on rent increases takes effect.

If you're noticing a big change from last year, however, your landlord may be in violation of the state's Tenant Protection Act, as reported by LAist.

This year's highest allowable rent increase for L.A. and Orange counties is 8.9%, only slightly higher than last year's 8.8%.

Because rent hikes are tied to inflation, those figures are lower than 2022's 10%.

"If you’re an L.A. or Orange County renter covered by the Tenant Protection Act and your landlord gives you a rent increase starting on Aug. 1 that exceeds 8.9%, you are not legally obligated to pay the higher amount," LAist reports.

To find out about rent hike rules in your area, check out LAist's roundup.