Rent Control: Santa Clara vs Sunnyvale
How do rent control rules compare between Santa Clara, CA and Sunnyvale, CA?
Santa Clara has fewer restrictions than Sunnyvale.
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 →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 | Santa Clara | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| 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.
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.
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
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