Palo Alto vs Sunnyvale
How do rent control rules compare between Palo Alto, CA and Sunnyvale, CA?
Palo Alto has fewer restrictions than Sunnyvale.
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 →Sunnyvale, CA
Santa Clara County
Sunnyvale has local Rent Stabilization plus statewide AB 1482 protections. Most multifamily rentals are capped at annual CPI-based increases with just-cause eviction requirements.
View full Sunnyvale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Palo Alto | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Local program | - | Sunnyvale Rent Stabilization |
| State cap | - | AB 1482: 5% + CPI, max 10% |
| Just-cause | - | Required after 12 months |
| Costa-Hawkins | - | Exempts SFR, condo, post-1995 |
| Relocation payment | - | One month rent for no-fault |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Sunnyvale FAQ
Is my unit under rent control?
Most pre-1995 multifamily is covered locally; newer units and single-family homes usually fall under AB 1482 only.
How much can my landlord raise rent?
Annual increases are capped at CPI-based rates under local rules or 5% + CPI (max 10%) under AB 1482.
Compare other topics
See how Palo Alto and Sunnyvale compare on other ordinance categories.
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