Rent Control: Fullerton vs Irvine
How do rent control rules compare between Fullerton, CA and Irvine, CA?
Fullerton and Irvine have similar restriction levels.
Fullerton, CA
Orange County
Unincorporated Orange County has no local rent control ordinance. Tenants are protected by California's statewide Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482), which caps annual rent increases at 5% plus local CPI or 10%, whichever is lower. AB 1482 applies to most residential rental units built more than 15 years ago.
View full Fullerton rules →Irvine, CA
Orange County
California's Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) applies to most rental properties in Irvine built more than 15 years ago. Annual rent increases are capped at 5% plus the local CPI or 10%, whichever is less. Irvine does not have a separate local rent control ordinance. Many Irvine rentals in newer developments may be exempt due to the 15-year construction threshold.
View full Irvine rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fullerton | Irvine |
|---|---|---|
| Local Rent Control | None | - |
| State Law | AB 1482 (Civil Code §1947.12) | AB 1482 — Tenant Protection Act |
| Rent Cap | 5% + CPI or 10%, whichever is lower | 5% + CPI or 10%, whichever is less |
| Exemptions | Units <15 years old, owner-occupied SFRs | New construction <15 years, single-family |
| Expires | January 1, 2030 (unless extended) | - |
| Local Ordinance | - | No separate local rent control |
| Irvine Note | - | Many newer developments may be exempt |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fullerton FAQ
Is there rent control in unincorporated Orange County?
There is no local rent control ordinance. State law AB 1482 (the Tenant Protection Act) limits annual rent increases to 5% plus local CPI or 10%, whichever is lower, for qualifying units at least 15 years old.
What units are exempt from AB 1482 rent caps in Orange County?
Single-family homes owned by natural persons (not corporations) with proper notice to tenants, units built within the last 15 years, and certain other categories are exempt. Most apartments and older rental properties are covered.
Irvine FAQ
Does Irvine have rent control?
There is no local rent control ordinance, but AB 1482 caps annual rent increases for covered properties. Many newer Irvine developments may be exempt due to the 15-year construction threshold.
Is my Irvine apartment covered by rent caps?
Multi-family properties built more than 15 years ago are generally covered by AB 1482. Newer construction, qualifying single-family homes, and certain owner-occupied duplexes are exempt.
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