LOS ANGELES

In February 2023, L.A. City Council passed a motion telling the Housing Department to write a report on RUBS within 60 days. Nearly three years later, in January 2026, the report was finally released. READ THE CITY REPORT HERE

The L.A. Housing Department recommendations are a good start, but not quite strong enough. What we want is:

Ban RUBS in ALL new tenancies, both in apartments protected by the Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) and those that aren’t
Do NOT permit a passthrough charge for tenants who already have RUBS in RSO apartments.
Create stricter transparency requirements and a public database for landlords who want to continue using RUBS in existing, non-RSO leases so that tenants can verify their charges and prevent fraud.
We need YOU to submit public comment in support of these changes.

While the report focuses on transparency and regulatory standards, tenants continue to raise concerns that RUBS function as junk fees in housing by shifting unpredictable costs onto renters.

LOS ANGELES

Is RUBS a Junk Fee?

ARLO Woodland Hills: What’s Changed—and What Hasn’t

While ARLO Woodland Hills is being marketed with a new name and updated exterior, tenants should understand that rebranding does not necessarily change how costs are structured behind the scenes.

How RUBS Utility Billing at ARLO Woodland Hills Raises Tenant Cost Concerns