Rent Control: Mountain View vs Santa Clara
How do rent control rules compare between Mountain View, CA and Santa Clara, CA?
Santa Clara 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 →Santa Clara, CA
Santa Clara County
Santa Clara has no local rent control; state AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act) caps annual rent increases at 5 percent plus CPI up to 10 percent on qualifying units.
View full Santa Clara rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | Santa Clara |
|---|---|---|
| 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 adopted — state law governs |
| State Cap AB 1482 | - | 5 percent plus CPI, 10 percent max |
| Exemptions | - | SFHs/condos with notice, new construction 15 years |
| Just Cause | - | Required after 12 months occupancy |
| Contact | - | Housing Division (408) 615-2490 |
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.
Santa Clara FAQ
How much can my landlord raise rent?
Under AB 1482, annual increases are capped at 5 percent plus local CPI, with a 10 percent absolute maximum, unless the unit is exempt.
Is my single-family rental rent-controlled?
Only if the owner is a corporation or REIT, or if the owner failed to provide the required AB 1482 exemption notice.
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