Mountain View vs Palo Alto
How do rent control rules compare between Mountain View, CA and Palo Alto, CA?
Palo Alto has fewer restrictions than Mountain View.
Mountain View, CA
Santa Clara County
The Mountain View CSFRA caps rent increases on pre-1995 multi-family units at CPI (2-5 percent). Just-cause eviction and relocation assistance apply. AB 1482 covers newer units.
View full Mountain View rules →Palo Alto, CA
Santa Clara County
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.
View full Palo Alto rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | Palo Alto |
|---|---|---|
| Covered units | Multi-family pre-Feb 1995 | - |
| Annual cap | CPI, 2-5 percent range | - |
| Just cause | 11 enumerated reasons | - |
| Relocation assistance | 3 months plus moving | - |
| Post-1995 law | AB 1482 applies | - |
| Local Rent Control | - | None |
| State Cap | - | AB 1482: 5% + CPI up to 10% |
| Coverage | - | Most units 15+ years old |
| Exemptions | - | SFHs, condos, new builds |
| Just Cause | - | Required after 12 months |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
Is my apartment covered by Mountain View rent control?
Multi-family units (2 or more) with a certificate of occupancy before February 1, 1995 fall under CSFRA. Newer buildings and single-family rentals typically fall under AB 1482 instead.
How much can my landlord raise rent this year?
CSFRA units see CPI-based increases between 2 and 5 percent annually. AB 1482 units can rise by CPI plus 5 percent, capped at 10 percent. The RHC publishes the current CSFRA figure each September.
Palo Alto FAQ
How much can my Palo Alto rent go up each year?
If AB 1482 applies, up to 5 percent plus regional CPI, capped at 10 percent total annually. Exempt properties (single-family homes, new construction) have no cap.
Can my landlord evict me without reason?
After 12 months of tenancy AB 1482 requires just cause for eviction. Single-family homes with owner notice of exemption and certain other properties remain exempt.
Compare other topics
See how Mountain View and Palo Alto compare on other ordinance categories.
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