Most landlords understand their basic duties under California law: provide habitable premises, make timely repairs, and comply with rent control rules. But if you own or manage rental property in the City of West Hollywood, you have an additional—and often overlooked—obligation buried in the municipal code.
Under West Hollywood Municipal Code § 17.56.010, landlords are legally required to replace flooring and window coverings every seven years upon the tenant’s written request—at the landlord’s expense.
The ordinance is surprisingly strict. Even if your carpet or blinds appear “fine,” you’re still required to replace them every seven years unless you can prove that they are in “like new” condition. The rule typically applies to:
Carpet
Laminate
Vinyl
Bamboo
Cork flooring
Blinds and drapes
The landlord may also be responsible for the reasonable movement of furniture to complete the replacement.
Failure to fulfill this obligation isn’t a minor oversight. The consequences can be severe and potentially consist of:
Rent Control Remedies: A tenant may apply to have their unit rent-controlled or obtain a rent reduction under § 17.44.040.
Habitability Claims: A tenant could sue for habitability violations, stop paying rent, or force you into costly eviction proceedings.
City Enforcement: You risk code enforcement actions, public nuisance proceedings, and city citations. If the City Attorney prosecutes and wins, you may be liable for their attorneys’ fees.
Not every rental or flooring material falls under this requirement. The ordinance typically does not apply to:
Newly constructed housing with a certificate of occupancy issued after July 1, 1979
Certain condominiums and single-family homes rented after January 1, 1996, if owner-occupied for at least two years prior and continuously rented since
Institutional facilities, such as hospitals or nonprofit senior housing
Government-owned or government-assisted housing, including some Section 8 units
Boarding arrangements
Landlords in West Hollywood should budget for these replacement cycles and maintain documentation to prove compliance. Ignoring this law exposes you not only to tenant disputes but also to municipal enforcement actions that can spiral into costly litigation and liability for attorneys' fees.
If you’re a landlord facing a tenant demand, a rent reduction claim, or a code enforcement proceeding, you need to understand your rights and obligations before making your next move.