3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in San Mateo County, California.
Verified from official government sources
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.
California Civil Code § 1947.12 (AB 1482 Tenant Protection Act)
1947.12. (a) (1) Subject to subdivision (b), an owner of residential real property shall not, over the course of any 12-month period, increase the gross rental rate for a dwelling or a unit more than 5 percent plus the percentage change in the cost of living, or 10 percent, whichever is lower, of the lowest gross rental rate charged for that dwelling or unit at any time during the 12 months pri...
Unincorporated San Mateo County applies California's statewide just-cause eviction protections under AB 1482 (Civil Code §1946.2). After 12 months of tenancy, landlords must state an at-fault or no-fault reason. No-fault evictions require one month's rent in relocation assistance.
California Civil Code § 1946.2 (AB 1482)
1946.2. (a) Notwithstanding any other law, after a tenant has continuously and lawfully occupied a residential real property for 12 months, the owner of the residential real property shall not terminate a tenancy without just cause, which shall be stated in the written notice to terminate tenancy. If any additional adult tenants are added to the lease before an existing tenant has continuously ...
Unincorporated San Mateo County does NOT have a rental registration program. Landlords must comply with state habitability laws (Civil Code §1941.1) and the California Building Code. Business license required only for property management companies, not individual landlords.
Cal. Civil Code Sec. 1947.12 (Tenant Protection Act - Annual Rent Increase Limits)
1947.12. (a) (1) Subject to subdivision (b), an owner of residential real property shall not, over the course of any 12-month period, increase the gross rental rate for a dwelling or a unit more than 5 percent plus the percentage change in the cost of living, or 10 percent, whichever is lower, of the lowest gross rental rate charged for that dwelling or unit at any time during the 12 months pri...
1 cities in San Mateo County have their own rental property rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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