Rent control rules in Berkeley, CA — also known as rent stabilization or rent cap ordinances — limit annual rent increases and protect tenants from displacement.
Berkeley has one of the nation strongest Rent Stabilization Ordinances (adopted 1980) with annual AGA increases, just-cause eviction, and registration; enforced by the elected Rent Stabilization Board.
Berkeley Rent Stabilization Ordinance (BMC Chapter 13.76) adopted 1980 is one of the strongest in California. Covered units include most multifamily dwellings built before June 1980 (Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act exempts post-1995 construction, single-family homes, and condos from price controls but just-cause eviction applies citywide). The elected nine-member Rent Stabilization Board sets Annual General Adjustment (AGA) increases typically 65 percent of CPI - 2024 AGA was 2.3 percent. Vacancy decontrol applies (landlord may set new rent) but then restabilizes. Just-cause eviction under BMC 13.76 requires specific grounds including nonpayment, breach, nuisance, or owner move-in with relocation payments. All rental units must register annually and pay a per-unit fee funding the Board. Statewide AB 1482 (2019) also applies to exempt units providing 5 percent plus CPI cap and statewide just cause. Tenants can petition for rent reductions due to habitability issues.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Berkeley, CA
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Berkeley, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Alameda County.
See how other cities in Alameda County handle rent control.
See how Berkeley's rent control rules stack up against other locations.
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