Rent Control: Redwood City vs San Mateo
How do rent control rules compare between Redwood City, CA and San Mateo, CA?
Redwood City and San Mateo have similar restriction levels.
Redwood City, CA
San Mateo County
Unincorporated San Mateo County has NO local rent control. State law AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act, Civil Code §1946.2 and §1947.12) caps annual rent increases at 5% plus CPI (maximum 10%) for qualifying units. Single-family homes owned by non-corporate owners and buildings under 15 years old are exempt.
View full Redwood City rules →San Mateo, CA
San Mateo County
San Mateo does not have a local rent control ordinance. Covered rental properties are subject to California AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act), which caps annual rent increases at 5% plus CPI or 10%, whichever is less. San Mateo County CPI determines the specific cap each year.
View full San Mateo rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Redwood City | San Mateo |
|---|---|---|
| Local Control | None in unincorporated | - |
| State Cap | 5% + CPI, max 10% | - |
| State Law | Civil Code §1947.12 | - |
| New Build Exempt | Under 15 years | - |
| SFR Exempt | If not corp-owned | - |
| Local Rent Control | - | None — AB 1482 only |
| Cap Formula | - | 5% + CPI or 10% (lower of two) |
| CPI Region | - | San Mateo County/SF area |
| Notice Required | - | 30 days (<10%); 90 days (>10%) |
| Expiration | - | AB 1482 expires Jan 1, 2030 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Redwood City FAQ
Who enforces rent control rules in San Mateo County?
San Mateo County's code enforcement division is responsible for rental property ordinances. You can report violations or request information through the San Mateo County government website or by calling the main municipal line.
What are typical penalties for violating rent control rules?
Most San Mateo County rental property violations start with a written warning followed by escalating civil fines for repeat offenses. Specific dollar amounts and any criminal-misdemeanor exposure depend on the section of code; consult San Mateo County's municipal code or staff for the current penalty schedule.
San Mateo FAQ
Does San Mateo have rent control?
No local rent control. AB 1482 applies statewide, capping increases at 5% plus CPI or 10%.
What is the maximum rent increase?
The cap varies annually based on the SF/SM County CPI. It cannot exceed 10% regardless of CPI.
Is my rental covered by AB 1482?
Most properties built more than 15 years ago are covered. Single-family homes with proper notice, owner-occupied duplexes, and newer buildings may be exempt.
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