As a landlord or tenant in West Hollywood, it’s crucial to understand your rights and responsibilities under the West Hollywood Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO). One of the most important sections, West Hollywood Municipal Code §17.56.010, outlines minimum maintenance standards for rental housing. Whether you’re a property owner managing income properties or a tenant ensuring your home is properly maintained, knowing these requirements will help you stay in compliance and avoid costly disputes.
Key Maintenance Requirements for Rental Units
The City of West Hollywood sets specific timeframes and standards for landlords to follow:
- Painting: Rental units must be repainted at least once every 4 years.
- Flooring & Carpets: Landlords must replace carpets, vinyl, linoleum, laminate, bamboo, or cork flooring every 7 years, if they were originally provided after April 30, 1984.
- Window Coverings & Wallpaper: Window coverings and wallpaper, where applicable, must also be replaced every 7 years.
- Code Compliance: Units must always comply with building, housing, and health codes.
These requirements ensure tenants live in safe, habitable, and well-maintained homes, while landlords maintain the value of their investment properties.
Appliance and System Standards
Landlords are required to keep all landlord-provided appliances in good working order. This includes:
- Heating and air conditioning systems
- Plumbing fixtures
- Refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers, washers, and dryers
- Elevators (in multi-unit buildings)
If these systems break down, it is the landlord’s legal duty to repair or replace them promptly.
Common Area Maintenance
The ordinance also addresses the upkeep of common areas:
- Carpets, Draperies, and Window Coverings: Must be replaced every 7 years if they were originally provided.
- Painting: Interior common areas must be repainted at least every 4 years, while building exteriors must be repainted at least every 7 years.
- Historic Buildings: Cultural resource properties are exempt from strict repainting cycles but must still be maintained in good condition.
Tenant Rights and Requests
Tenants play a role too. Under §17.56.010(d):
- Tenants must submit a written request to trigger painting, carpet replacement, or other required updates.
- Landlords must make reasonable efforts (such as moving furniture) to carry out the maintenance.
- If a landlord refuses or delays, tenants may file a complaint with the Rent Stabilization Department for enforcement.
Modifications, Exceptions, and Enforcement
- The City may grant exceptions if the work isn’t necessary, or if a tenant caused the damage.
- In some cases, professional cleaning can substitute for replacement, but only if it maintains quality.
- Enforcement assumes certain timelines (e.g., last painting presumed to have occurred 2 years before the ordinance unless proven otherwise).
Why This Matters for Landlords and Tenants
For landlords, staying compliant prevents fines, tenant complaints, and potential legal exposure. Proactive maintenance also preserves property value and helps retain quality tenants.
For tenants, understanding these standards ensures you’re living in a habitable, safe, and properly maintained unit.
Partner With Experts in West Hollywood Property Management
At Boutique Property Management, we specialize in helping landlords navigate complex requirements under the West Hollywood Rent Stabilization Ordinance. From maintenance scheduling to tenant communications and RSO compliance, we protect your investment and ensure smooth landlord-tenant relations.📞 Call us today at 818-696-4498 or visit www.boutiquepropmgmt.com to learn how we can help you stay compliant while maximizing your rental income.