Rental Property Rules in Palo Alto, CA (2026)
3 verified rental property rules for Palo Alto, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Rent Control
Palo Alto has no local rent control ordinance, with rents governed by California AB 1482 statewide rent cap of 5 percent plus CPI (maximum 10 percent annually) on qualifying properties.
Palo Alto Rent Control Rules
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Civil Code Section 1947.12 (AB 1482)
(a) (1) Subject to subdivision (b), an owner of residential real property shall not, over the course of any 12-month period, increase the gross rental rate for a dwelling or a unit more than 5 percent plus the percentage change in the cost of living, or 10 percent, whichever is lower, of the lowest gross rental rate charged for that dwelling or unit at any time during the 12 months prior to the...
Just Cause Eviction
Palo Alto tenants are protected by California AB 1482 (Civil Code 1946.2), which requires landlords to state just cause to terminate tenancies of 12+ months and pay relocation assistance for no-fault evictions.
Palo Alto Just Cause Eviction Rules
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Civil Code Section 1946.2(a)-(b)
(a) Notwithstanding any other law, after a tenant has continuously and lawfully occupied a residential real property for 12 months, the owner of the residential real property shall not terminate a tenancy without just cause, which shall be stated in the written notice to terminate tenancy. If any additional adult tenants are added to the lease before an existing tenant has continuously and lawf...
Rental Registration
Palo Alto does not require general residential rental registration, though landlords must comply with state disclosure requirements, business license rules for certain rentals, and building safety inspections.
Palo Alto Rental Registration Requirements
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Civil Code § 1947.12 (Tenant Protection Act of 2019, AB 1482 — statewide rent cap)
1947.12. (a) (1) Subject to subdivision (b), an owner of residential real property shall not, over the course of any 12-month period, increase the gross rental rate for a dwelling or a unit more than 5 percent plus the percentage change in the cost of living, or 10 percent, whichever is lower, of the lowest gross rental rate charged for that dwelling or unit at any time during the 12 months pri...
Looking for Santa Clara County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Palo Alto city rules.
Rental Property Rules in Santa Clara County →